I came here, where freedom is being
defended,
to serve it, and to live and die for it.
General Casimir Pulaski in a letter
to General George Washington
Every year, on October 11, we honor the
memory of Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a courageous
soldier of liberty who bravely gave his life 222 years ago
fighting for America's independence. The stories of General
Pulaski's heroism during the Revolutionary War have been a
source of inspiration for many generations of Americans, and
his gallant sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the
price patriots paid to obtain our liberty.
Pulaski, who was born in Poland in 1745,
joined his first fight against tyranny and oppression at age
21, defending his beloved Poland against Prussian and Imperial
Russian invaders. In numerous battles, Pulaski achieved fame
as a calvary officer, earning promotion to commander of an
army of Polish freedom fighters. But the aggressors ultimately
overcame the Poles, and Pulaski was forced into exile. In
1777, Pulaski offered his services to America's fight for
freedom and set sail from France to join the war for independence.
Far from his native land, Pulaski showed
the same courageous combativeness on American soil that had
gained him fame at home. Distinguishing himself in battle
after battle, Pulaski earned a commission from the Continental
Congress as a Brigadier General, and he was assigned by General
Washington to command the Continental Army's calvary. In 1779,
during the siege of Savannah, General Pulaski made the ultimate
sacrifice, giving his life in battle so that our Nation might
win its freedom. General Pulaski's valiant leadership earned
him recognition as the "Father of the American cavalry".
Ever since his heroic death, America has
honored General Pulaski's memory in many ways, including the
naming of counties, towns, and streets after him. Since 1910,
a statue of General Pulaski has stood in Washington, D.C.,
permanently memorializing his patriotic contributions and
noble sacrifice. Today, as we respond to the atrocities committed
against the United States on September 11, we have been deeply
moved by the tremendous outpouring of sympathy, support, and
solidarity from our Polish friends, from the highest levels
of the government to the thousands of Poles who placed flowers
and candles at our Embassy gate. Our two nations, united by
the virtues and ideals that General Pulaski embodied, will
always remain friends and allies.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President
of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States,
do hereby proclaim Thursday, October 11, 2001, as General
Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans to commemorate
this occasion with appropriate programs and activities paying
tribute to Casimir Pulaski and honoring all those who defend
the freedom of our great Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand this tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
