General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2008

Proclamation 8306 of October 10, 2008

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we celebrate General
Casimir Pulaski's selfless dedication to the cause of
freedom during the American Revolution.

In our Nation's struggle for independence, brave
individuals such as Casimir Pulaski came to our shores
and risked their lives to help bring liberty to a new
continent. General Pulaski fought first against Russian
domination of his Polish homeland and later joined
General George Washington's Continental Army. Pulaski's
valor in battle and love of freedom earned him the rank
of Brigadier General and authority to organize an
independent corps of cavalry. Through his skilled
leadership and cavalry tactics he became known as the
``Father of the American Cavalry.'' During the siege of
Savannah, General Pulaski was mortally wounded, making
the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the cause of
freedom.

General Pulaski's life exemplifies the courage and
determination of the many Polish immigrants who have
helped make the United States the greatest Nation on
Earth. On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we recognize
our time-honored friendship with Poland, and we are
reminded of the great price our forefathers paid so
that we might live in liberty.

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, 2008, as General
Pulaski Memorial Day. I urge Americans to commemorate
this occasion with appropriate activities and
ceremonies honoring General Casimir Pulaski and all
those who defend our freedom.

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