Senate Resolution No. 156

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of
Revolutionary War General Marquis de Lafayette's
visit to Rome, Oriskany, Whitestown, and Utica, New
York on June 25, 2025

WHEREAS, It is imperative of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those patriotic and courageous individuals who have given so much
of themselves in times of war for the advancement of the democratic
ideals and principles of freedom which we have come to cherish and
regard; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Revolutionary War General Marquis
de Lafayette's visit to Rome, Oriskany, Whitestown, and Utica, New York
on Wednesday, June 25, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Marquis de Lafayette was a French aristocrat and military
officer known for his pivotal role in both the American and French
Revolutions; he was a companion of General, and later, President George
Washington and was a staunch supporter of the American cause for
liberation from British rule; and

WHEREAS, At age 19, Marquis de Lafayette sailed to the American
colonies in 1777, and secured a commission as a major general; the
Frenchman played a crucial role in several key battles, including the
Battle of Brandywine and the Siege of Yorktown, where his efforts helped
secure American independence from Britain; and

WHEREAS, Marquis de Lafayette's contributions were not limited to
America; after the American Revolution, he returned to France and became
involved in the French Revolution, advocating for liberal reforms; he
served in various military and political positions but faced challenges
during the turbulent years of the revolution; and

WHEREAS, In 1825, Marquis de Lafayette was invited back to visit the
United States by President James Monroe; the general was invited on a
great tour of all 24 states at the time, and was regarded as "The
Nation's Guest," and was met with great applause and high commendation
among all the sites he visited; and

WHEREAS, Of the many locations Marquis de Lafayette visited were
Rome, Oriskany, Whitestown, and Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, At 68 years old, Marquis de Lafayette's stopped in Rome and
then in Oriskany to visit with Colonel Gerrit Lansing, who fought under
his command at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781; he then visited
Whitesboro to visit with the widow of Hugh White, the founder of
Whitestown in 1784; and

WHEREAS, During his visit to Utica, New York, Marquis de Lafayette
was met with the celebratory sounds of booming cannons, bells ringing
atop all the local churches, and approximately 5,000 citizens' cheers in

honor of his valiant service and aid in American freedom from British
governance; and

WHEREAS, Later, Marquis de Lafayette visits the home of Abigail
Adams Johnson on Genesee Street; she is married to Alexander Bryan
Johnson, a well-known banker, economist, and linguist from Utica;
Abigail is the granddaughter of former President John Adams and the
niece of the sitting President, John Quincy Adams; her father was
Charles Adams, the second son of John Adams; and

WHEREAS, Following his visit to the Utica area, Marquis de Lafayette
boarded a boat on the Erie Canal and headed for Frankfort, Ilion,
Mohawk, Herkimer, and Little Falls; and

WHEREAS, Despite various challenges imposed by the French government
and his participation in two revolutions, Marquis de Lafayette's legacy
as a symbol of internationalism, freedom, and the bond between France
and the United States endures; he remains a highly regarded and
celebrated champion for American freedom whose legacy has enduring
impacts so close to home for many New Yorkers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Revolutionary War General Marquis
de Lafayette's visit to Rome, Oriskany, Whitestown, and Utica, New York
on June 25, 2025.