General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2006

Proclamation 8066 of October 11, 2006

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we remember Casimir
Pulaski, a Polish-born hero of the American Revolution
who fought and died for the freedom and independence
our country enjoys today.

General Casimir Pulaski entered into a campaign against
tyranny in Poland in 1768, bravely fighting for the
freedom of his native land. This patriotic spirit and
thirst for freedom remained with Pulaski throughout his
life and influenced his success in the American
Revolutionary War. After meeting Benjamin Franklin in
Paris, Pulaski traveled to America to join forces with
General George Washington and assist in the fight for
American independence. He was quickly commissioned as a
Brigadier General and demonstrated such skill on the
battlefield that he became known as the ``Father of the
American Cavalry.'' In 1779, General Pulaski was
mortally wounded at the siege of Savannah. By giving
his life for our country, General Pulaski inspired many
Americans and helped ensure a future of freedom for our
citizens.

Through his service and dedication to liberty, General
Pulaski demonstrated the strong will and patriotism
that made our freedom possible, and the ties between
the United States and Poland are strengthened by these
common values. On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we
honor the courage and sacrifice of this great hero of
the American Revolution, recognize the many
contributions of Polish Americans to our country, and
celebrate the lasting friendship between our two great
nations.

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 October 11, 2006, as General
Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage Americans to
commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs and
activities honoring General Casimir Pulaski and all
those who defend our freedom.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.