Order of Lafayette
The Order of Lafayette is a patriotic, hereditary, nonpartisan, and fraternal organization established in New York City in 1958 by Colonel
A serving officer of the famed 369th Regiment (The
Eligibility for membership
American commissioned officers (and enlisted men who were later commissioned) who served in France or in French possessions during World War I or World War II, are eligible for membership in the Order of Lafayette, as well as commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers of the French Foreign Legion. Membership in the order is also open to all recipients, regardless of rank, of the Medal of Honor or the French Médaille militaire who served in France or French possessions during World War I or World War II, and are admitted as members without having to pay dues to the Order. All lineal descendants, male or female, of original members, or those who would have qualified as original members, are eligible for full membership in the Order on reaching the age of 21.
Activities of the Order
The Order participates in a number of patriotic activities, such as the annual Armistice Day Memorial Mass at Saint Vincent de Paul's R.C. Church held each November in New York City; the graduation convocation of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where the Order of Lafayette Award is given to a distinguished graduate; social and cultural gatherings to promote and improve Franco-American relations; the annual "Massing of the Colors" ceremony each autumn, and other events.