[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14387]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      CONFERRING HONORARY CITIZENSHIP ON THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE

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                               speech of

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2002

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. J. Res. 13, a 
joint resolution conferring honorary membership of the United States on 
Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, also known as the Marquis de 
Lafayette.
  At a time in our history when we face challenges from enemies who 
oppose the very ideals that make our nation great, we are reminded of 
those brave individuals throughout our nation's history who have made 
sacrifices to advance American principles of freedom and representative 
government. Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis 
de Lafayette, was a man who in his affection for the ideal of liberty, 
made great personal sacrifices.
  A citizen of France, the Marquis de Lafayette first demonstrated his 
passion for freedom when, at the young age of 19, he decided to make a 
four-month voyage to America to fight alongside Americans during the 
Revolutionary War. Marquis de Lafayette was assigned to the staff of 
George Washington with the rank of Major General in 1777 and served 
with distinction. During the war, he demonstrated great leadership and 
unrelenting bravery to American troops, as he led Americans to several 
victories and sustained an injury during the Battle of Brandywine.
  General Lafayette not only risked his life for the pursuit of 
American freedom, but he freely used his position of influence in 
France to garner additional support for the American war effort. In 
1779, he persuaded the French government to fully support America in 
the war against Britain, which led to the commitment of French troops 
and much needed supplies to the American army. He also contributed 
$200,000 of his personal fortune in support of the colonies during the 
Revolution. After the war, Lafayette continued to assist American 
diplomatic relations with France in establishing close relationships 
with American ambassadors to France, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas 
Jefferson.
  The most striking of General Lafayette's qualities was undoubtedly 
his steadfast and fearless devotion to the principle of liberty. Even 
after the Revolutionary War, Lafayette continued to support and promote 
the institution of representative government. Upon his return to 
France, Lafayette was one of the first to advocate a National Assembly, 
and worked toward the establishment of a constitutional monarchy during 
the years leading up to the French Revolution. In 1830, he became the 
leader of a Revolution that dethroned the Bourbons and made possible a 
constitutional monarch in France. These actions came at a great 
personal expense to Lafayette as he lost support among the French 
nobility, was forced to flee the country, and had his personal wealth 
confiscated. Just before his death in 1834, Lafayette was a vocal 
proponent of the move to a pure republic in France.
  The portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette now displayed opposite 
President Washington in the United States House chamber is a tribute to 
his loyalty to America and his vital role in winning our freedom. 
Lafayette's friendship and affiliations with the most prominent figures 
in our nation's history, including George Washington, John Adams, 
Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams, 
and the respect he garnered from them is a testament to his commitment 
to our nation's founding and its principles.
  Mr. Speaker, in light of the events of September 11th, stories of 
personal sacrifice, bravery, and commitment take on a new meaning and 
greater importance for all Americans. The story of General Lafayette is 
one, in particular, that inspires us to continue, in the face of 
adversity, to fearlessly protect our nation's principles and to advance 
them globally. In Lafayette's words: ``Humanity has won its battle. 
Liberty now has a country.''

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