You are invited to Happy Hour with the Lafayette Escadrille!

Join us virtually as we get an online preview of a forthcoming documentary film The Lafayette Escadrille, with filmmakers Darroch Greer and Paul Glenshaw.

The Zoom presentation begins with the story (and making) of the Lafayette Cocktail, invented by Lafayette Escadrille pilots William Thaw and Raoul Lufbery. The filmmakers filmed the cocktail being made for them at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, where Thaw, Lufbery, and the rest of the squadron used to gather while on leave from the front. We’ll make the cocktail*, share a toast, and then hear the story of the making of the film.

The Lafayette Escadrille is first-ever comprehensive documentary made about the founding squadron of American combat aviation, and one of the great stories of the French-American alliance. It was shot at over 40 locations in France, including the actual airfields the from which the squadron flew. Learn how the filmmakers worked closely with families of the Lafayette Escadrille pilots and French historians and Air Force Generals to present the story as accurately as possible. The story is well remembered by the citizens of France. It is a shining example of young Americans standing up for a cause larger than themselves in a time of global crisis, and for our oldest ally, France. There are also strong connections to Connecticut! You’re invited to watch the 20-minute version of the film on YouTube before the event. Paul and Darroch will take your questions at the end of the presentation.

*Lafayette Cocktail ingredients: equal parts cognac and champagne. Have them on hand to make the cocktail!

This event will be on Zoom and is free for the public. Sign up below to receive the event link and courtesy email reminders. This event is sponsored by the Federation of Alliance Françaises USA in partnership with Pandemonium U.

Click here to register.

3:00pm Pacific / 6:00pm Eastern
In English