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Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives Feb.15, which would honor the Marquis de Lafayette on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of his birth.
The resolution was passed in the House May 22 and Rep. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania added his name to the list of 47 representatives supporting it.
Dent read the following 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.
“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.’
“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.”
Lafayette College is planning a yearlong celebration during 2007-08 in recognition of the life and legacy of the man for whom it is named. Major events will include a lecture series, entitled Lives of Liberty, featuring renowned speakers; a historical exhibit at the Williams Center for the Arts, entitled A Son and his Adoptive Father: The Marquis de Lafayette and George Washington, and a birthday party.
A web site dedicated to the celebration and to the Marquis’ unique connection to the College provides information and updates
The text of House Resolution 171 follows:
H. Res. 171
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,
May 22, 2007.
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—
(1) honors Marquis de Lafayette on the 250th anniversary of his birth; and
(2) 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.