Doughboy Foundation kicks off America 250 commemoration with ceremony honoring American and French soldiers KIA 1776-2026
Published: 25 February 2026
By Doughboy Foundation Staff
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U.S. Army general officers joined with French Army general officers in a wreath-laying event at the National World War I Memorial honoring the soldiers from both nations who were killed in action defending the two Allied nations from 1776 to 2026. The event was hosted by the Doughboy Foundation.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Daily Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C. honored 2LT Ferdinand Capdevielle and 2LT Kiffin Rockwell. 2LT Capdevielle, a (French-rooted) U.S. citizen, enlisted in the French Foreign Legion and was KIA in 1918. 2LT Rockwell, an American citizen who joined the French Foreign Legion, was WIA in 1915, then joined the Escadrille Lafayette. He was the first U.S. pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft, and was KIA in May 1916 at Verdun.
The Doughboy Foundation hosted a wreath-laying ceremony honoring these two, and all members of the French and American armed forces killed in action from 1776–2026.
Remarks were delivered by Clair Sassin, CEO of the Doughboy Foundation, and Lieutenant General Frédéric Gout, Director of Army Human Resources for the French Army.
From the United States Army, Major General Dianne Del Rosso, Deputy Chief of the United States Army Reserve, and Brigader General Robin Hoefleon and Brigader General Carrie Perez of the National Guard Bureau were in attendance at the event.
The Gold Star Mothers organization, and personnel from the Embassy of France to the United States were also in attendance.
With the laying of the wreath, the group gathered to remember, honor, and pay tribute to the French and American soldiers who, for more than 250 years, have fought side by side. “This enduring alliance – the oldest continuous military friendship our nation has ever known- stands as a testament to shared courage, sacrifice and values. Our nations’ destinies have long been intertwined – French and American soldiers have always stood together. May this Memorial continue to remind us that freedom is safeguarded not by one nation alone, but by allies joined in unity, respect, and shared sacrifice,” said Sassin in her remarks.
A Doughboy Foundation WWI-uniformed bugler concluded the ceremony with “Sonnerie Aux Morts” and “Taps,” underscoring the enduring bond and shared sacrifice between France and the United States over the last 250 years.
The Doughboy Foundation’s Daily Taps Program at the National World War I Memorial remembers and honors the 4.7 million Americans who served in uniform in World War I, and all American armed forces veterans throughout our nation’s 250 year history.
Lieutenant General Frédéric Gout, Director of Army Human Resources for the French Army (left) and Clair Sassin, CEO of the Doughboy Foundation, converse before the beginning of the February 24 ceremony.
Clair Sassin, CEO of the Doughboy Foundation, delivers remarks during the February 24 ceremony.
Lieutenant General Frédéric Gout of the French Army (left) and Brigader General Carrie Perez of the U.S. Army deliver salutes for the ceremonial wreath honoring French and American soldiers Killed in Action from 1776-2026.
Sonnerie Aux Morts and Taps are sounded to conclude the ceremony.
After the event, Brigadier General Robin Hoeflein, U.S. Army (at left) talks with Clair Sassin, CEO of the Doughboy Foundation.
