General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2005

Proclamation 7945 of October 7, 2005

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's freedom has been achieved with great
sacrifice. In the Revolutionary War, General Casimir
Pulaski gave his life for the cause of freedom. Today,
we honor his selfless contributions and heroic service.

Born in Poland, Casimir Pulaski fought Russian
oppression in his homeland. In 1776, Benjamin Franklin
met Pulaski in France and successfully recruited him to
join the American fight for liberty. In America,
Pulaski distinguished himself at the Battle of
Brandywine and was commissioned as a Brigadier General
by General George Washington. After raising his own
legion, a special infantry and cavalry division that
included many foreign-born troops, he helped defend
Charleston, South Carolina, before being mortally
wounded at the siege of Savannah in 1779.

General Pulaski exemplifies the spirit and
determination of Polish immigrants to America, and he
embodies our Nation's highest ideals. On this day, we
express our gratitude for all the contributions of
Polish Americans to our Nation and for the strong
relationship between the United States and Poland. By
honoring this lasting friendship and remembering heroes
like General Pulaski, we reaffirm our commitment to
advancing our country's founding ideals and carry
forward our heritage of 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, 2005, as General
Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage Americans to
commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs and
activities honoring Casimir Pulaski and all those who
defend freedom.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B