[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23984]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO THE 250TH BIRTHDAY OF THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE

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                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 7, 2007

  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 250th birthday of 
the Marquis de Lafayette, born 6 September 1757.
  By the age of 20, Lafayette had already served for several years as 
an officer in the French army. Inspired by the concept of American 
independence, in 1777 Lafayette came to the United States to volunteer 
his services, and was appointed a Major General by the Continental 
Congress.
  He became a stalwart friend of General George Washington, and also of 
future President James Monroe. Lafayette fought and was wounded at 
Brandywine, and wintered at Valley Forge.
  Returning to France late in 1778 to rally support for the American 
cause, he was instrumental in France's decision to join the 
Revolutionary War in support of the United States. He returned to 
America in 1780 to help lead a new infusion of French troops.
  Working closely with General George Washington, Lafayette led the 
French forces which helped to trap Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, and 
forced the British surrender there in October 1781.
  After the victory at Yorktown, Lafayette returned to France, but came 
back to the United States in 1794 at the invitation of President George 
Washington, and again in 1824-1825 at the invitation of President James 
Monroe.
  Declared an honorary citizen of both the United States and Virginia, 
the Marquis de Lafayette truly played a vital role in the American 
Revolution.
  In Virginia, in celebration of Lafayette's 250th birthday, ceremonies 
will be held in Richmond by various historical and lineage societies on 
Saturday, September 8 at Mason's Hall, the State Capitol and the John 
Marshall House, all venues visited by Lafayette, to commemorate this 
anniversary.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Marquis de 
Lafayette on his birthday.

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