Veterans Day and the Centennial Anniversary of the Lafayette Escadrille

Perhaps not widely known, 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the Lafayette Escadrille – the squadron of 38 American volunteer pilots who flew for France a year before the US entered World War I. The Lafayette Escadrille was conceived by the French as a means of prompting the US to abandon its neutral stance and enter the war. French officers led the unit and among the American airmen was Hamilton native, 1st Lt. Samuel P. Mandell, son of George and Emily Mandell. Samuel had been a student at Harvard University and trained with the Harvard Flying Corps and left during his second year to enlist in the military. On November 5, 1918, while serving in WWI, he was flying in formation when his aircraft crashed. He was able to survive the landing and his observer, Lt. Fulton, helped to pull him from the plane. A few German soldiers had witnessed the accident and came over to provide first aid. They took Lt. Fulton away and promised to send help for Lt. Mandell who became unconscious. Later, a different German soldier came across the wreckage, shot and killed Lt. Mandell.

His parents, amidst their grief, and with the support of other local citizens, set out to purchase a piece of property in town and build a community center, dedicating it in memory of Samuel and seven other local men who died serving in the war. The names of all 8 men are inscribed in the limestone niche on the front of The Community House, and with the support of the building’s architect, Guy Lowell, a statue of Samuel was created by sculptor, Anna Coleman Watts Ladd. The statue was revealed as a gift to the Mandell family and has remained on display, well-preserved and protected, for over 95 years.

Veterans Day is a public holiday held annually on the anniversary of the end of World War I to honor US veterans and victims of all wars. As we recognize Veterans Day, please make a special effort to acknowledge our veterans and who serve our country today. It’s a day we should recognize the sacrifices and efforts of our veterans and teach our children that we enjoy the privilege of freedom due to the service men who have fought and those who continue to protect us. Let’s also remember the families that have lost their loved ones – that they have also paid a steep price for our freedom. Take a moment to recognize the memorials that pay tribute to those who have served which include places such as The Community House – places that support and unite people from all different walks of life each and every day.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers of The Community House, we wish to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to our veterans and active duty servicemen who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedom and make the world a better place for our children. Thank you!