[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 310 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]







110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 310

  Commending the city of Lafayette, Louisiana, for engaging in a year-
long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Marie-Joseph-
  Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert Du Motier, commonly known as the Marquis de 
                               Lafayette.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 7, 2007

   Ms. Landrieu (for herself and Mr. Vitter) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Commending the city of Lafayette, Louisiana, for engaging in a year-
long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Marie-Joseph-
  Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert Du Motier, commonly known as the Marquis de 
                               Lafayette.

Whereas the Marquis de Lafayette was born on September 6, 1757, and occupies an 
        important place in the history of the United States;
Whereas Lafayette demonstrated considerable military skill, valor, and 
        dedication as he fought alongside American revolutionary fighters during 
        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 his reputation as 
        ``the soldier's friend'';
Whereas Lafayette's leadership and military ingenuity during the Battle of 
        Yorktown, Virginia, led to the defeat of British General Lord Charles 
        Cornwallis and subsequently the successful end to the American 
        Revolutionary War;
Whereas Lafayette's advocacy in France on behalf of the United States fostered 
        positive diplomatic relations and allowed for the Louisiana Purchase;
Whereas Lafayette's status as a native French speaker, in combination with his 
        dedication to democracy in America, prompted Thomas Jefferson to request 
        that the Marquis serve as the Governor of Louisiana;
Whereas Lafayette symbolizes the assistance America received from Europe during 
        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;
Whereas continued relationships between the United States and France are 
        important to the success of our global partnerships;
Whereas the town of Vermilionville, Louisiana, was renamed Lafayette in 1884 in 
        honor of the Marquis de Lafayette; and
Whereas the city of Lafayette, Louisiana, in the heart of the Acadiana region, 
        exhibits a rich French heritage: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) honors the Marquis de Lafayette on the 250th 
        anniversary of his birth; and
            (2) commends the city of Lafayette, Louisiana, for engaging 
        in a year-long celebration of this anniversary.
                                 <all>