[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 10]
[House]
[Pages 13478-13481]
[From the U.S. 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 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.''

[[Page 13479]]

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.
  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

[[Page 13480]]

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, telecommunications 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 Worlds.''
  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 commemoration. 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 colonists 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

[[Page 13481]]

be accepted, and that, in consideration of his zeal, illustrious 
family, and connections, he 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 relationship 
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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