Bill > K00799

This resolution commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette's historic visit to several New York communities in 1825, honoring his significant contributions to American independence and international friendship. The resolution highlights Lafayette's pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, where he served as a major general at age 19, fighting in crucial battles like Brandywine and Yorktown, and developing a close relationship with George Washington. During his 1825 farewell tour, invited by President James Monroe, Lafayette visited Rome, Oriskany, Whitestown, and Utica, where he was celebrated by approximately 5,000 citizens, met with notable figures like Colonel Gerrit Lansing and Abigail Adams Johnson, and was welcomed with cannon fire and church bells. The resolution recognizes Lafayette's enduring legacy as a symbol of international cooperation and freedom, and notes that commemorative events will be held on June 9 and 10, 2025, including a historical reenactor, traditional 1820s-style events, and the dedication of Lafayette Square in downtown Utica, all designed to honor this important historical figure and the lasting bond between France and the United States.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/K799