GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY

GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY

On October 11, you might see General Pulaski Memorial Day on the calendar and ask yourself, "Who was he, and why do we honor him?" The answer is the incredible story of a Polish nobleman who crossed an ocean to fight for American independence, became a trusted general under George Washington, and is celebrated as the "Father of the American Cavalry." This day honors a pivotal, foreign-born hero who gave his life for the cause of American freedom.

#GeneralPulaskiMemorialDay

Long before he came to America, Casimir Pulaski was a renowned military commander in his homeland of Poland, earning battle experience as a teenager fighting for Polish sovereignty against Russia. His reputation as a brilliant and fearless cavalry officer was known throughout Europe.

His path to America came through a fateful meeting in Paris with none other than Benjamin Franklin. Impressed by Pulaski's military skill and passion for liberty, Franklin wrote a letter of recommendation directly to General George Washington, stating that Pulaski "was famous throughout Europe for his bravery and conduct in the defense of the liberties of his country." When Pulaski joined the Continental Army, General Washington's forces desperately lacked a skilled and effective cavalry. While they had men on horseback, they lacked the sophisticated training, tactics, and organization common in European armies.

Like so many heroes of the Revolution, General Pulaski would not live to see the nation he helped create. In 1779, during the Siege of Savannah in Georgia, he was gravely wounded while leading a daring cavalry charge against British forces. He died from his injuries a few days later on October 11th, the date now chosen for his remembrance. He was just 34 years old.

General Pulaski Memorial Day honors not only this one brave man but also the enduring legacy of Polish-Americans. From the founding of our nation to the present day, generations of Polish immigrants and their descendants have contributed their skills, labor, and service to the United States.

Pulaski's name is etched across the American landscape, with counties, cities, and streets named in his honor in states from Illinois to Georgia, a constant reminder of the foreign hero who fought and died for American liberty.

HOW TO OBSERVE GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY

Learn more about General Pulaski and the history of the United States Cavalry. Visit a cavalry museum or read about General Pulaski.

Francis C. Kajencki published The Pulaski Legion in the American Revolution in 2004.

David R. Collins published Casimir Pulaski: Soldier on Horseback in 1995 for young readers.

Use #GeneralPulaskiMemorialDay to post on social media.

GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY HISTORY

In 1929, Congress passed a resolution designating October 11th as General Pulaski Memorial Day. Each year, a new presidential proclamation renews the resolution.   (Public Resolution 16 of 1929)

A Presidential Proclamation has been issued each year since (except 1930).