General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2003

Proclamation 7721 of October 10, 2003

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski sacrificed his life
on October 11, 1779, for America's independence and the
universal cause of freedom. His bravery in supporting
the American Revolutionary War is an inspiration to
individuals around the world who pursue peace and
freedom for all.

Growing up near Warsaw, Casimir Pulaski knew firsthand
the horror of tyranny and oppression. In 1768, he
joined his father and fellow compatriots in rising
against injustice and fighting for Polish independence.
As a commander in the rebellion, the young Pole
demonstrated a devotion to freedom and great courage.
When the rebellion was quelled, Pulaski was exiled to
France, where he continued to pursue freedom with the
same spirit and determination that he had shown in
Poland.

While in Paris, he met with the American envoy to
France, Benjamin Franklin, who discussed with him
America's struggle for independence. Pulaski then
volunteered his services to General George Washington.
In his first letter to General Washington after
arriving in America in the summer of 1777, General
Pulaski pledged that he ``came here, where freedom is
being defended, to serve it, and to live and die for
it.'' Impressed with General Pulaski's abilities and
battle experience, General Washington commissioned him
as a Brigadier General of the American cavalry. In May
1779, General Pulaski's new cavalry division
successfully defended the city of Charleston, South
Carolina. Several months later, in the siege of
Savannah, General Pulaski was mortally wounded while
trying to raise morale and rally his troops who were
under heavy enemy fire.

General Pulaski's bravery and sacrifice helped lead
America to victory, and today, the Polish motto--``for
your freedom and ours''--echoes the great spirit of
this Polish and American hero. This day, we commemorate
General Pulaski's service to our Nation and draw
strength from his example. We also honor the sacrifices
of the many men and women of Poland and other allied
nations who persevere with us in the fight for freedom.

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, 2003, 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
Nation.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B