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WHEREAS, the Marquis de Lafayette, a French nobleman, played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, serving as a major-general and demonstrating exceptional bravery in key battles, including Brandywine, Monmouth, and Yorktown; his efforts not only ensured an alliance with France but were instrumental in securing the independence of the United States; and
WHEREAS, throughout and beyond the American Revolution, Lafayette was a staunch advocate for human rights, including religious freedom and equality for women, and he consistently championed the values of liberty, equality, and freedom; and
WHEREAS, in 1824, as the last surviving general of the American Revolution, President James Monroe invited Lafayette to embark on a “Grand Tour” of the United States. Lafayette accepted, touring all 24 states, and arrived at the Arsenal in Lawrenceville on May 31, 1825, where he shared breakfast with the Arsenal Commander and was warmly welcomed by hundreds of local residents; and
WHEREAS, Lafayette is widely celebrated as a "hero of two worlds" for his contributions to both the American and French Revolutions and his unwavering commitment to liberty, equality, and human rights, advocating for reform throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, the enduring friendship and alliance between the citizens of the United States and the Republic of France began with the close bond between George Washington and Lafayette, establishing a partnership between two great democracies that has lasted for centuries; and
WHEREAS, the Sons of the American Revolution is a patriotic organization dedicated to preserving the institutions of American freedom, fostering appreciation for patriotism, respect for national symbols, and valuing American citizenship; and
WHEREAS, the American Friends of Lafayette have formed a Bicentennial Committee to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s historic visit to the United States, recreating his "Grand Tour" by visiting cities across the nation; and
WHEREAS, the French Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh preserves and promotes French culture and celebrates the diverse cultural heritage in the City of Pittsburgh while offering a space where the richness of said culture and history may be shared in a unique and engaging environment ; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will hold a formal color ceremony in honor of Lafayette’s 200th anniversary of visiting the Arsenal Park on May 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Lafayette, one of only eight foreign nationals granted United States citizenship by an Act of Congress, is posthumously honored by the National Society Sons of the American Revolution, which presents the SAR International Medal to the Honorary French Consul on behalf of Lafayette; and
WHEREAS, the French Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh will host a free to the public performance by a renowned Lafayette enactor and display of the traveling Lafayette history panels at the Frick Fine Arts building;
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NOW, THEREFORE, Councilperson Deb Gross proudly presents these Proclamations to the Honorary French Consul (on behalf of the Republic of France), American Friends of Lafayette Grand Tour Bicentennial Committee, Pittsburgh Chapter of The Sons of the American Revolution, and French Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh in recognition of Lafayette’s invaluable contribution to American independence.