HRES 681119th CongressIn Committee

Commemorating the service of General Lafayette to the United States on the bicentennial of his farewell tour.

Introduced: Sep 8, 2025

Defense & National Security

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This is a non-binding, ceremonial House resolution recognizing the service and legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette, commemorating the bicentennial of his farewell tour in the United States. It assembles a historical briefing on Lafayette’s contributions to American independence—military leadership, financial support, and diplomatic efforts with France—and expresses gratitude for his sacrifices. It also notes the ongoing nationwide commemoration of his farewell tour (August 2024–September 2025) organized by the American Friends of Lafayette, highlighting the broad public engagement with his legacy. The measure does not authorize spending or create new policy; its primary purpose is symbolic acknowledgment by the House.

Key Points

1Recognizes Lafayette’s invaluable service to the independence and ideals of the United States and expresses gratitude for his sacrifice during the American Revolution.
2Acknowledges the bicentennial of Lafayette’s farewell tour and the nationwide commemoration organized by the American Friends of Lafayette (August 2024–September 2025), including events across multiple states.
3Documents Lafayette’s pivotal roles: volunteering for the cause, commissioning his own expedition, serving as a major general without pay, fighting at key battles, and organizing retreats when wounded.
4Highlights his early financial and material support to the Continental Army (money, uniforms, supplies) and his diplomatic influence in France that helped secure critical aid and troops.
5Emphasizes Lafayette’s lasting legacy as a founder-era ally who championed liberty, abolition of slavery, women’s rights, religious tolerance, and freedom of the press; notes his recognition as a natural-born citizen and his address to Congress in 1824 and White House visit in 1825 as milestones of his relationship with the United States.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the American public Education audiences; communities commemorating historical figures and events.Secondary group/area affected: U.S.-France historical relationship and Franco-American cultural/educational initiatives; historical societies and museums.Additional impacts: Encourages public education and remembrance of revolutionary-era contributors; ceremonial acknowledgement without fiscal implications or policy changes.

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