[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 171 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                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.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.