Reps. Darany, Lindberg, Barnett, Constan, Geiss, Heise, LeBlanc, Liss and Rogers offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 266. 

A resolution to commemorate the 375th anniversary of the birth of Jacques Marquette.

Whereas, It is with great respect that the members of this legislative body are proud to join with the citizens of Michigan in remembering June 1, 1637, as the historic day when Jacques Marquette was born; and

            Whereas, Jacques Marquette was born in France in 1637 on this day. In his 17th year, he entered the Society of Jesus. After training he asked to be transferred to the Americas, so that he could have a greater impact on spreading the Christian ideals and exploring the new world; and

            Whereas, Once getting to the Americas, he learned six different dialects of the Huron language so that he would be able to speak to all those he encountered. Through learning all of these dialects he was able to learn things about the land, and learn the different cultures of each of the tribes he encountered. This skill proved invaluable in his later experiences; and

            Whereas, He help found Saulte Sainte Marie, which was the first European settlement in Michigan. He also had a hand in the founding of both St. Ignace and Portage along with many other cities in Michigan. He also helped found colonize cities in other states of the Great Lakes Region; and      

            Whereas, He, along with Louis Jolliet, traveled along the Mississippi river in 1673 and discovered the path that it took. This discovery enabled the river to be used as a route to send goods downstream, helped to spur the economy of the Great Lakes Region, and lead new settlers to have a better life; and

            Whereas, He published Théévenot's Recueil de voyages which described in detail the villages and customs of the tribes that he and Jolliet encountered, the topography, the tides of the lakes, and the nature and variety of each flower, tree, bird, and animal; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 375th anniversary of  the birth of Jacques Marquette.