[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 33 (Tuesday, February 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF H. RES. 171, HONORING THE LIFE OF THE MARQUIS DE 
                               LAFAYETTE

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                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2007

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, as a lifelong resident of Lafayette 
County, MO, it gives me great pleasure to introduce H. Res. 171, a 
resolution honoring the life of the Marquis de Lafayette on the 
occasion of the 250th anniversary of his birth.
  Lafayette occupies a considerable place in the history of the United 
States. More than any one person, he symbolizes the assistance American 
colonists received from Europe in the struggle for independence from 
Great Britain.
  Lafayette was a man of considerable military skill who sympathized 
with American revolutionary fighters. After withdrawing from the French 
army and traveling across the ocean at his own expense, the Congress 
voted Lafayette the rank and commission of major general in the 
Continental Army. His military service during the Revolutionary War was 
invaluable to GEN George Washington, earning him the title of ``the 
soldier's friend.'' Lafayette's strategic thinking and dedication as a 
general officer serve as a model for present day military personnel.
  After achieving military victory, Lafayette returned to France, 
helping the U.S. to secure trade agreements and critical loans with 
European nations. He also became a prominent figure in the French 
Revolution, speaking out in support of universal freedom and human 
rights.
  Because of Lafayette's commitment to America, Congress honored him 
with awards of money and land. Congress was also presented a life-size 
portrait of Lafayette that hangs in the Chamber of the U.S. House of 
Representatives. The portrait is one of only two in the House Chamber. 
The other is of President George Washington, Lafayette's closest friend 
and role model.
  At the invitation of President James Monroe, Lafayette returned to 
the United States in 1824 and 1825. He embarked upon a triumphant tour, 
during which he visited 25 States, including Missouri, and he became 
the first foreign dignitary to address a joint session of Congress. 
During this visit and thereafter, various American leaders honored 
Lafayette by naming many cities, towns, and counties for him. Lafayette 
County, MO, which is my home, is named for Lafayette.
  As we take a moment this year to honor the Marquis de Lafayette on 
the occasion of his 250th birthday, let us remember how he helped 
secure American independence and helped establish the United States as 
an international presence. The values of democracy espoused by our 
Founding Fathers and by Lafayette have been the bedrock of U.S. 
domestic and international policymaking for generations.
  I urge all Americans and especially those in the military to study 
Lafayette as America pays tribute to him.

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