LAFAYETTE TODAY
House of Representatives
Honors the Marquis
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution May 22 honoring the
Marquis de Lafayette. Authored by Ike Skelton of Missouri, the bill was supported
by 47 co-sponsors, including Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania’s 15th District,
who read remarks into the Congressional Record.
“You have heard many of my colleagues speak to Lafayette’s legacy as a military leader. I rise today to
offer a different perspective as to Lafayette’s influence
on our nation’s history,” Dent said.
“Lafayette College—located in my district, in Easton, Pa.—was founded in 1826 by the citizens of Easton,
12 years before Lafayette’s passing. The founders set out to establish an institution combining ‘a course of practical Military Science with the course of Literature and General Science,’ and voted to name the new college for the French hero of the Revolution as ‘a testimony
of respect for (his) talents, virtues, and signal services . . . (in) the great cause of freedom,’” he said.
“The school continues to produce some of the best and brightest minds in our country. The College embraces the Lafayette name with great pride, and I know that the Marquis would be pleased to have his name associated with such a fine institution. As the College states, the anniversary of Lafayette’s birth reminds us of ‘how applicable . . . the connection between a free society and an educated citizenry is.’
I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution, and to commemorate the life and legacy
of Lafayette by supporting the ideals to which he
held so dear.”
On December 10, 1824, during his Farewell Tour, Lafayette became the first foreign dignitary to address
a joint meeting of the House and Senate.
“Sir, I have been allowed, forty years ago, before
a Committee of a Congress of thirteen states, to
express the fond wishes of an American heart,” he said. “On this day I have the honor, and enjoy the delight,
to congratulate the Representatives of the Union, so vastly enlarged, on the realization of those wishes, even beyond every human expectation, and upon the almost infinite prospects we can with certainty anticipate.”
Print from the College’s Marquis de Lafayette collection, one of many images based on the 1822 portrait painted
by Ary Scheffer that hangs in the
House of Representatives. |
H.Res. 171
In the House of Representatives
May 22, 2007
Resolution honoring the Marquis de Lafayette
on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of his birth
Whereas Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert Du Motier, commonly known as the Marquis de Lafayette, was born on September 6, 1757,
and occupies a considerable place in the history of the United States;
Whereas Lafayette was a man of considerable military skill who expressed sympathy for American revolutionary fighters, decided to aid colonists in their struggle for independence, and was voted by Congress the rank and commission of major general in the Continental Army;
Whereas Lafayette’s military service was invaluable to General George Washington during many Revolutionary War battles, earning him the
reputation as “the soldier’s friend”;
Whereas Lafayette’s strategic thinking, military skill, and dedication as a general officer serve as a model for present day American military officers;
Whereas Congress appropriated awards and honors in honor of Lafayette’s service to the American people, including the commissioning of a portrait that hangs in the House Chamber;
Whereas because of Lafayette’s strong belief in freedom, he advocated
the abolition of slavery in the Americas, favored equal legal rights for religious minorities in France, and became a prominent figure in the
French Revolution;
Whereas, in 1824, at the invitation of President Monroe, Lafayette embarked upon a triumphant, 13-month tour of all 24 States of the
then-United States, during which he became the first foreign dignitary to address the House of Representatives, and visited many Masonic bodies;
Whereas because of America’s affection for Lafayette, many United States cities, towns, and counties have been named for him;
Whereas Lafayette symbolizes the assistance America received from Europe in the struggle for independence;
Whereas United States aid to France during the world wars of 1917-1918 and 1941-1945 stemmed in part from shared values of democracy and freedom, which Lafayette strongly supported;
Whereas the friendship between the people of the United States and France has not diminished; and
Whereas continued relationships between the United States and France are important to the success of our global partnerships: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
- honors Marquis de Lafayette on the 250th anniversary of his birth; and
- urges the cadets of the United States military academies and military officers participating in various professional military education courses to study Lafayette’s impact on the creation of the United States and on the United States military.
| 
