[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 132 (Friday, September 7, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S11280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMENDING LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 310 submitted earlier 
today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (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.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be 
laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be 
printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 310) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 310

       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.

                          ____________________