[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23891]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 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

  Ms. LANDRIEU (for herself and Mr. Vitter) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              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.

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