An American flag is lowered during an annual commemorative

An American flag is lowered during an annual commemorative ceremony at the tomb of Maj. Gen. Marquis de Lafayette July 4. Each year, on America's Independence Day, French and American military personnel, dignitaries and societies place wreaths at the edge of Lafayette's tomb and lower the American flag, which is flown above the grave. The flag is then replaced, raised and flown until the ensuing year's ceremony. The memorial event, which began after World War I, honors Lafayette for his roles in both American and French conflicts such as the American War of Independence and the French Revolution. (Photo courtesy of Jean Lentignac)