General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2004

Proclamation 7830 of October 11, 2004

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The story of Revolutionary War hero Brigadier General
Casimir Pulaski is one of bravery and sacrifice that
helped to secure America's blessings of liberty. We
remember General Pulaski for his skill in battle, his
commitment to freedom, and his willingness to give his
life for America's independence.

Born in Poland in 1745, Casimir Pulaski first gained
distinction as a military hero while fighting to defend
his native Poland. His reputation as a bold warrior and
his dedication to the cause of liberty became known
throughout Europe.

Pulaski met with Benjamin Franklin in Paris in 1777 and
agreed to join the Americans in their fight for
freedom. He quickly proved to be a gifted military
leader and was commissioned as a Brigadier General. He
became known as ``the Father of the American Cavalry,''
recruiting and training a special corps of American,
Polish, Irish, French, and German troops who fought
with great skill and success. During the siege of
Savannah in 1779, General Pulaski was mortally wounded,
leaving a legacy of heroism that continues to inspire
people around the world.

On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we honor a noble
patriot committed to the cause of freedom, and we
recognize the countless contributions Polish Americans
have made to our Nation and our culture. We also
celebrate the strong friendship between the United
States and Poland, remembering our shared history and
common values and honoring the sacrifices of Polish
troops who have served bravely alongside American and
coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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, 2004, 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 freedom.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B