[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          CASIMIR PULASKI DAY

 Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, I would like to take a 
moment to honor Casimir Pulaski, one of the heroes of the American 
Revolution. In my great State of Illinois the first Monday in March is 
know as Casimir Pulaski Day, in honor of his birthday, March 4, 1747. 
In 1929, Congress designated October 11 to be observed as Pulaski Day.
  Born in Warka, Poland, Mr. Pulaski began his career as organizer and 
leader of the Confederacy of Patriots which fought against Russian 
aggression and interference. He was exiled from Poland in 1771 after 
being unjustly accused of attempting to kill the King. He eventually 
wound up in Paris where his military leadership was recognized by the 
French royal court who recommended him to Benjamin Franklin, who was 
seeking volunteers for the American Revolution.
  On July 23, 1777, Pulaski arrived in America to serve in General 
Washington's army not speaking a word of English. Mr. Pulaski proved to 
be much more than a good officer; he was both an experienced cavalry 
man and a superior strategist.
  This marked the beginning of a extraordinarily decorated career. He 
played a crucial role in helping America fight for freedom and 
independence. As soon as Mr. Pulaski took temporary command of 
Washington's cavalry detachment in September 1777, he successfully 
saved supplies and Warren's Tavern from British attack.
  On September 15, 1777, because of his bravery in the Battle of 
Brandywine, Congress commissioned Mr. Pulaski brigadier general. On 
February 25, 1778, he resigned as commander of the cavalry corps and 
began the formation of the Independent Corps of Light Cavalry and 
Infantry, which was later known as the Pulaski Legion.
  Once the corps was authorized, Brigadier General Pulaski quickly 
recruited, clothed, and trained the corps in 3 months time, using a 
good sum of his own money. His corps fought minor skirmishes in Egg 
Harbor, NJ, and Minising on the Delaware River.
  In February 1779, the corps was ordered to the South to join Gen. 
Benjamin Lincoln's army. The corps helped regain Charleston, SC, and 
later that year fought the siege of Savannah, GA, alongside the French 
against the British. It was during this battle where he was fatally 
wounded as he led the charge against the enemy. He later died aboard 
the American brig Wasp on October 11, 1779 at the age of 32.
  Pulaski has been honored in many ways around the United States. There 
is a monument here in Washington. Brigadier General Pulaski was one of 
600 Polish officers that vitally contributed to our fight for freedom.
  One of this country's greatest strengths is its ability to draw on 
the talent of all the people that have arrived on American shores. 
Casimir Pulaski is a proud example of the contributions of many to the 
fight for freedom and democracy in the United States.
  Today, I honor Brig. Gen. Casimir Pulaski as an American 
patriot.

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