A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of the marquis lafayette on the two hundred FIFTIETH anniversary of his birth.
Whereas, Marie‑Joseph‑Paul‑Yves‑Roch‑Gilbert Du Motier, commonly known as the Marquis de Lafayette, was born September 6, 1757, at Chateau Chavaniac in the Auverne section of southern France; and
Whereas, Lafayette joined the Continental Army of George Washington during the American Revolution and was awarded the commission of Major General in 1777 at the age of 19, making him the youngest general of the Revolutionary War; and
Whereas, Lafayette risked his life and fought with courage during the fierce onslaught of the British and Hessian forces at the Battle of Brandywine, braving musket fire and bayonets and was shot in the leg, thus spilling blood for the American cause; and 
Whereas, Lafayette's strategic thinking, military skill, loyalty, and dedication as a general officer and diplomat were invaluable to General George Washington throughout the Revolutionary War; and
Whereas, Lafayette not only agreed to serve in the American army without pay, but also used his considerable personal wealth and influence to support the American cause in the procurement of financial and material support; and
Whereas, Lafayette was instrumental in expediting the delivery of the French Expeditionary Force with more than 6,000 elite troops, artillery pieces, munitions, and ships which arrived in America in July of 1780; and
Whereas, the Marquis de Lafayette's portrait hangs in the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives, an honor given to no other foreign dignitary; and
Whereas, the two colonial towns of Cross Creek and Campbelton were merged in 1783 and named Fayetteville, the first city in the United States named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, and the only one named for him that he actually visited; and
Whereas, the examples set by his conduct and selfless love of liberty have and will continue to be a valuable legacy for all citizens of the United States and free people everywhere; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The North Carolina House of Representatives honors the life and memory of Marquis de Lafayette on the 250th anniversary of his birth.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the North Carolina Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.