His decision went against his family’s and his country’s wishes, but it turned out to be a fortuitous one for the Patriots. Lafayette played a key role in securing America’s independence from England and won the hearts of Americans, who would lovingly refer to the Frenchman as “our marquis” long after he returned home. But while some worry that the marquis has faded from modern America’s consciousness, his admirers hoped to revive Lafayette’s memory with events surrounding his 250th birthday. The international celebration focusied the spotlight on one of the most revered heroes of the American Revolution. We