General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2002

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 7607--General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2002

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7607 of October 10, 2002

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans celebrate our friendship and common
commitment to freedom with the people of Poland each
year on October 11, when we honor Brigadier General
Casimir Pulaski, a hero of the American Revolutionary
War. As a brave Polish patriot, General Pulaski made
the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation, giving his life
in 1779 to help America gain its independence. His
devotion to liberty continues to inspire us today as we
join with our allies to secure peace and freedom around
the globe.

Before joining the American Revolution in 1777, Casimir
Pulaski struggled against oppression in his native
Poland, fighting alongside his father and brothers to
defend their homeland from Prussian and Imperial
Russian invaders. Though his cause was ultimately
overcome by those powerful forces, Pulaski was widely
recognized for his courageous actions as a cavalry
officer and leader of Polish forces. Benjamin Franklin
lauded Pulaski as ``famous throughout Europe for his
bravery and conduct in defense of the liberties of his
country.''

When General Pulaski joined General George Washington's
staff, he immediately made important contributions to
the war effort. He led a critical counterattack at the
Battle of Brandywine that avoided a potential military
disaster, earning him a commission as a Brigadier
General. American leaders valued Pulaski's experience
in battle, his knowledge of military strategy, and his
pioneering efforts that led to a recognition that he
was the ``Father of the American cavalry.'' While
leading cavalry forces in the Siege of Savannah,
Pulaski was wounded, and died on October 11, 1779.

Two hundred and twenty-five years ago, Casimir Pulaski
joined forces with Americans to establish liberty and
overcome despotism. That inspiration and solidarity is
mirrored today as we engage in a war against terrorism.
As part of a global coalition, which includes the
government and people of Poland, we are working to
ensure that our two nations remain strong friends and
allies in our effort to build a safer, more peaceful
world for all.

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 Friday, October 11, 2002, 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 two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B