[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H5539-H5542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 250TH
ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 171) honoring the Marquis de Lafayette on the
occasion of the 250th anniversary of his birth, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 171
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.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr.
Wilson) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
General Leave
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks on this resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Missouri?
There was no objection.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I hail from Lafayette County, Missouri. Its county seat
is Lexington, my home. A few miles westbound on Highway 224 are the
small towns of Napoleon, Wellington and Waterloo. These communities,
which are nestled into the fertile farmland and rolling hills south of
the Missouri River, are named after prominent figures or places in
French history. They are a very long way from France. But their names
and the namesake of my home county, Marquis de Lafayette, reflect a
friendship that has existed between the United States and France since
the early days of the American Revolution.
No one person better symbolizes that friendship and the assistance
American colonists received from Europe in our struggle for
independence than the Marquis de Lafayette. He occupies a considerable
place in the history of the United States, which is why I was
[[Page H5540]]
pleased to author H. Res. 171, a resolution honoring the life of the
Marquis de Lafayette on the occasion of his 250th birthday on September
6, 2007.
Lafayette was a man of considerable military skill who sympathized
with the 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 George Washington, earning him the reputation as
``the soldier's friend.'' Lafayette's strategic thinking and dedication
as a general officer serve as a model for our present day military
personnel.
After achieving military victory, Lafayette returned to France,
helping the U.S. 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 here in the Chamber of the House of
Representatives. The other large portrait 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. He embarked upon a triumphant tour, during
which he visited 24 States, including Missouri, and he became the first
foreign dignitary to address the House of Representatives. Lafayette
also visited many Masonic bodies across America.
During this visit and thereafter, various American leaders honored
Lafayette by naming cities, towns and counties for him or for his
French estate, known as LaGrange. Schools, monuments and parks were
named for him throughout the United States. One of the most prominent
is Lafayette Park in Washington D.C., which is located directly across
from the White House.
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 wearing the American military uniform,
to study Lafayette as America pays tribute to him this year.
As we take to the floor today to honor a respected Frenchman, I would
be remiss if I did not also take the opportunity to say a word of
appreciation to the current French Ambassador to the United States,
Jean-David Levitte.
{time} 1030
Through his time in Washington, I have come to know Ambassador
Levitte as a fine person and an outstanding representative of the
people of France. Last week, I learned that the newly elected French
President, Nicolas Sarkozy, has appointed Ambassador Levitte to be his
chief diplomatic adviser. Let me take this means to wish him well as he
takes on more responsibilities. But more importantly, let me thank him
for his friendship.
I ask Members to support H. Res. 171.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 171,
a resolution that honors Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert Du Motier,
commonly known as the Marquis de Lafayette, on the occasion of his
250th birthday.
Lafayette is honored here in the House Chamber with a greater-than-
life-size portrait, only joined by a portrait of George Washington.
This is a reminder also that France was America's first ally.
H. Res. 171 was introduced by a man I admire greatly, the Armed
Services Committee chairman, Ike Skelton, a leader in promoting the
study of history.
My family has a strong French heritage. My home State of South
Carolina is proud of the French Huguenot settlers highlighted by
General Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox of the American Revolution, and I
am grateful to have cosponsored this resolution.
The Lafayette family was one of ancient nobility. Lafayette was
merely 2 years old when his father was killed in the Seven Years War.
At the age of 16, he inherited his title, although he later renounced
the ``marquis,'' and a large fortune was received from his grandfather.
In keeping with his family tradition, Lafayette joined the French
Army at the age of 14, and was a junior officer in the French army when
he defied the orders of King Louis the Sixteenth and sailed to the
American Colonies from Spain. In speaking of the colonists' Declaration
of Independence, he stated in his memoirs, ``My heart was enrolled in
it.''
At age 20, after volunteering to serve in the American Army at his
own expense, he received the rank of major general from the United
States Congress.
My home State of South Carolina is particularly appreciative of
Lafayette in that he landed in America near the South Carolina city of
Georgetown on June 13, 1777, at the young age of 19.
Lafayette commanded members of the American Army during several
conflicts, faced off against Benedict Arnold, and ultimately faced off
against Lord Cornwallis where he commanded the brigade at the siege of
Yorktown in Virginia.
Throughout his time in America, Lafayette became close friends with
General George Washington. They were so close that Lafayette named his
son Georges Washington-Lafayette, and asked General Washington to be
his son's godfather. He also was very close with young Alexander
Hamilton, Washington's chief aide-de-camp.
Because of Lafayette's service to the American people, he was made an
honorary U.S. citizen in 2002. Many U.S. towns and cities have been
named after him, and three U.S. naval vessels bear his name.
I am proud that Lafayette's dedication, military skill and strategic
thinking as an officer now serve as a model for our officers in
uniform. General Lafayette symbolizes the assistance America received
from Europe during our dynamic struggle for independence. And because
of our shared values for democracy and human rights, a deep, long-
lasting friendship between the United States and France continues and
flourishes to this day.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased this resolution has been brought to the
floor, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support of the
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my
friend and colleague, the former judge and gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Poe).
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Skelton for sponsoring this
legislation, and I appreciate Mr. Wilson yielding me time to speak on
this important individual.
It is true in this House of Representatives, what we call the
People's House, there are only two portraits. There could be more, but
there are only two. We honor George Washington and we honor Lafayette.
And there are reasons for that; because both of these men were not only
friends, but they were resilient in their quest for American liberty
many, many years ago.
One evening in 1776, at the dinner table with King George III's
relatives, the Marquis de Lafayette got wind of America's Declaration
of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson and the trouble the
colonists were making for the British--all in the name of liberty.
Facing disapproval from his Noble family and arrest by his own French
people, young Lafayette sailed to America. He volunteered to serve at
his own expense in the Continental Army with General George Washington.
Lafayette was a superior military tactician, and he was fearless. Only
in his late 20s, Major General Lafayette went to war with the American
colonists.
He was wounded in the battle at Brandywine, he defeated the Hessians
alongside General Greene at Gloucester Point, and he stayed faithful to
Washington when even some American discontented generals thought they
could do a better job than George Washington.
[[Page H5541]]
It was Lafayette who persuaded the French to help the Americans in
their fight for freedom. And Lafayette never lost his place alongside
Washington and his ragged Continental Army. That is one reason we have
his portrait in this House.
Lafayette remained a passionate advocate for the cause of freedom
until his death, and stood firm in the French Revolution. So much so
that at one point he suffered imprisonment for 5 years in Austria and
Prussia because of his quest for liberty in France.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor a man who paid both blood and money
on two continents for the sake of liberty. As loyal as he remained to
Washington and the United States throughout his life, so the people of
our great Nation remain indebted to his sacrifice, his courage and his
loyalty, and to the example of his unwavering commitment to freedom.
In troubled times, America could always count on Marquis de
Lafayette.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased that we are able to take
this resolution up today honoring the Marquis de Lafayette. Those of us
who grew up in Lafayette County knew that there was some special
meaning to the name of our county.
It was Lillard County once upon a time, and after Lafayette's visit
to the State of Missouri, St. Louis to be exact, the General Assembly
of our State named the western county which borders Jackson County,
which now encompasses Kansas City, named it after Marquis de Lafayette
and called it Lafayette County. We in Lafayette County are very proud
of the reason and the heritage that this county has been so named.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my
friend and colleague, a noted physician, the gentleman from Louisiana
(Mr. Boustany).
Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from South Carolina
for giving me time.
I also want to pay tribute and thank my colleague, friend and student
of history, the distinguished Armed Services Committee chairman, Mr.
Skelton, for bringing this very important resolution to the floor
today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, to pay
tribute to the Marquis de Lafayette and the French culture that
continues to leave an indelible mark on south Louisiana. It is not by
coincidence that my hometown is named after this French hero of
America's Revolutionary War.
During the Acadian deportation of 1755, thousands of men, women and
children were expelled from Nova Scotia. Some returned to France, but
many sailed through to the French colony of Louisiana, where, over the
centuries, they have established their own unique French-Acadian or
what we now call Cajun culture.
It is now estimated that there are over 450,000 Acadian descendants
in Louisiana alone, and nearly 250,000 claimed French to be their
principal language.
Last week, I introduced House Resolution 398 to congratulate newly
elected French President Nicolas Sarkozy on his recent victory, as well
as to recognize the longstanding relationship between the United States
and our friends in France.
Clearly, nowhere is this relationship between our two countries
displayed more than right here in this Chamber where each day we face
the portraits of America's first President, George Washington, but also
America's adopted son, Marquis de Lafayette.
It is clearly fitting that we recognize the Marquis de Lafayette's
accomplishments on the 250th anniversary of his birth today. I urge my
colleagues to support this important resolution.
The distinguished gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) outlined the
history of the Marquis de Lafayette's accomplishments, and I am not
going to repeat all of that at this time. But suffice it to say,
clearly the Marquis de Lafayette was a great patriot and a great friend
of America, and the relationship between Marquis de Lafayette and our
first President is emblematic of the relationship between our two great
countries.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I have no further
speakers, but at this time I want to commend the chairman of the Armed
Services Committee for recognizing the Marquis de Lafayette, and to
recognize the strong relationship that has been so firm, so important,
and that is the alliance with our first ally, the Republic of France.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me give a special thanks to my friend
from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) who, among other assets, has a sense
of history which has been exhibited this morning. I appreciate him
speaking, as well as the gentleman from Louisiana speaking of his
hometown of Lafayette. It was very kind of you to do so, as well as my
friend from Texas coming here to discuss the Marquis de Lafayette.
As the gentleman from South Carolina has pointed out, Marquis de
Lafayette was a very unusual man. Doing what he did at such an early
age and making such a great impact upon this country, it is fitting and
proper that we, as a body, honor him, honor his memory, and honor the
fact that he was of such great assistance and help to General George
Washington in those very difficult days.
As one leaves Lexington, my hometown, on the Missouri River and
travels on Highway 224 towards Kansas City, one goes through
Wellington, Missouri; Waterloo, Missouri; and Napoleon, Missouri, in
that order, and it is rather interesting that part of French history
between Lexington and Kansas City is reflected in the names of those
communities.
History has not borne out who named them such. There is no way for us
to record or learn the genesis of those three names except they do
exist, Wellington, Napoleon, and in between, Waterloo. But whoever did
it did us all a favor so we can discuss and learn more of history; and
today we are learning more about the Marquis de Lafayette and honoring
his memory.
Mr. JINDAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Marquis de La
Fayette on the 250th anniversary of his birth. General Lafayette
dedicated his life to the creation of democracy in America and France.
Revered by many in both the new world and the old, La
Fayette became known as the ``Hero of Two Worlds.''
At the age of 19, La Fayette invested his own funds and outfitted a
frigate, sailing for America in 1777, where he joined the forces of
General George Washington, with whom he established a lifelong
friendship.
In 1781, the Battle of Yorktown, Virginia was a crucial victory by
the combined American and French force led by General George Washington
and the Marquis de La Fayette, over the British army commanded by
General Lord Charles Cornwallis. The surrender of Cornwallis' army
caused the British government to negotiate an end to the American
Revolutionary War.
In my home state of Louisiana, the Marquis de Lafayette has an
enduring legacy by having a leading parish and city named in his honor.
Lafayette, Louisiana is one of the fastest growing communities in the
South. Lafayette's energy, telecommuncations and agriculture industries
are of national importance.
The parish of Lafayette Louisiana is the site of a year-long
commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the Marquis de
La Fayette throughout 2007. The 2007 commemoration includes
exhibitions, festivals, music, conferences and lectures.
Known for its unique cuisine, music, outstanding hospitality, Cajun
and Creole language and traditions, Lafayette welcomes visitors of all
ages to this full year of events devoted to Louisiana's French
heritage, and focusing on La Fayette, the ``Hero of Two Wodds.''
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker I would like to thank Lafayette,
Louisiana's City Parish President Joey Durel and his wife Lynne for
their leadership of the 2007 commeration. May La Fayette's vision of
democracy and freedom we enjoy today--be cherished always.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.
Res. 171, honoring Marquis de Lafayette on the occasion of the 250th
anniversary of his birth. Marquis de Lafayette certainly holds a
special place in the history of our country. It was his support for the
ideals of our Revolutionary warriors that helped give birth to the
greatest nation in the world. In fact, due to his support for the
revolution, and the aid he provided to the colonist in their struggle
for independence, Marquis de Lafayette was voted by Congress the rank
and commission of major general in the Continental Army. Lafayette
offered his services as an unpaid volunteer. On July 31, 1777 Congress
passed a resolution, ``that his services be accepted, and that, in
consideration of his zeal, illustrious family, and connections, he
[[Page H5542]]
have the rank and commission of major-general of the United States.''
He was a man that was admired by our first President George
Washington and that affection was mutual. In fact Marquis de Lafayette
even named his son after our first President, and Washington was the
godfather to Lafayette's child.
This is a gentleman that is so revered in American history that in
2002, he was posthumously made an honorary citizen of the United
States; one of only six persons so honored. Likewise, a portrait of
Lafayette hangs in the House Chamber.
Marquis de Lafayette, held a strong belief in freedom, he advocated
the abolition of slavery in the Americas, he favored equal legal rights
for religious minorities in France, and he was a prominent figure in
the French Revolution. Now some will cite the fact that Lafayette
himself owned slaves as a sign of hypocrisy, but he encouraged George
Washington to free his own slaves as an example to others. Lafayette
would subsequently purchase an estate in French Guinea and settle his
slaves there and offered a place for Washington's slaves to live also.
Lafayette was famously quoted as saying, ``I would never have drawn my
sword in the cause of America if I could have conceived thereby that I
was founding a land of slavery.''
The fact that Lafayette was the first foreign dignitary to address
the House of Representatives symbolizes the wonderful relationsbip
between France and the United States. In light of the recent elections'
in France, I hope that our leaders in Congress, the Senate, and the
White House will maintain our strong ties with the newly elected leader
of France, Nicolas Sarkozy. France is a nation that the United States
has shared the same values with since its inception. Lafayette
symbolized the assistance America received from Europe in the struggle
for independence, just like United States aid to France during World
Wars I and II stemmed in part from shared values of democracy and
freedom, values that Lafayette held. I am confident that the
administration of President Sarkozy will work earnestly with our
leaders and continue in the great tradition of not only a French hero,
but a true American hero, Marquis de Lafayette.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 171, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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