General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2009

Proclamation 8438 of October 9, 2009

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Each year on this day, Americans pause to remember a
patriot and champion of liberty who fought valiantly
for the freedom of our Nation. During our struggle for
independence, General Casimir Pulaski displayed heroic
leadership and ultimately sacrificed his life in
service to our country. His commitment to liberty
remains an inspiration to us today, 230 years later,
and it serves as a reflection of the many contributions
Polish Americans have made to our national identity.

Born in Poland in 1745, Brigadier General Casimir
Pulaski witnessed the occupation of Poland by foreign
troops during his youth. He joined the struggle for
Polish independence in 1768, fighting alongside his
father with unwavering determination. Despite the
tremendous courage of Pulaski and his compatriots, the
foreign forces prevailed and Poland was divided among
three of its neighbors. The young Casimir Pulaski was
exiled, and, while in Paris, met America's envoy to
France, Benjamin Franklin, and learned of our nascent
quest for independence.

Arriving in America during the summer of 1777, General
Pulaski quickly earned a commission and led his troops
with admirable skill in a number of important
campaigns. He would eventually become known as the
``Father of the American Cavalry.'' In 1779, Pulaski
was mortally wounded during the siege of Savannah while
trying to rally his troops under heavy enemy fire.
Before laying down his life for the United States, this
Polish and American hero had earned a reputation for
his idealism and his courageous spirit.

Pulaski's ideals live on today in the many Polish-
American communities across the country. These
neighborhoods continue to celebrate Polish culture,
while adding immeasurably to our national identity.
Their contributions have expanded our collective
knowledge, pushing the boundaries of science, business,
and the arts. With each passing year, the cooperation
between the United States and Poland grows, supported
by the dedication and commitment of Polish Americans to
our shared history. Today, as we remember General
Pulaski, we celebrate our strong friendship with
Poland, and honor those Americans of Polish heritage.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, October 11,
2009, 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
ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.