[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 45 (Thursday, March 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND WORK OF GENERAL CASIMIR PULASKI, THE POLISH 
                     HERO OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the birth 
anniversary of General Casimir Pulaski, the Polish Hero of the 
Revolutionary War.
  Often referred to as the father of American cavalry, Kazimierz Michal 
Waclaw Wiktor Pulaski herbu Slepowron, more commonly referred to as 
General Casimir Pulaski, was born in 1746 in Winiary. Born into one of 
the most notable families in the region, he was sent away at a young 
age to be educated.
  Working alongside his father Jozef in 1768, Pulaski co-founded the 
Bar Confederation, an insurrectionists group that aimed to limit the 
spread of Russian hegemony, a threat to Policy liberty and Catholicism, 
throughout the commonwealth. With the motto of ``For Faith and 
Freedom,'' Pulaski participated in leading a confederation which fought 
for these goals. Pulaski gained renown during the battle of 1771 and 
went on to assert his leadership skills, military adroitness and valor 
in several battles before being exiled for a failed attempt to abduct 
the king. Although his efforts failed, Pulaski's leadership and courage 
inspired many.
  In 1777 Pulaski traveled to the United States and met with General 
George Washington. Pulaski transformed soldiers into highly mobile 
forces, instituting the idea of a cavalry; soldiers who fought mounted 
on horseback. He would go on to lead several successful battles before 
sustaining a fatal gunshot wound in 1779.
  Americans and Polish citizens alike have recognized Pulaski's heroism 
and commitment to freedom for centuries. He is honored, in both 
countries, in statue and in ceremony. In death, as in life, he remains 
a symbol of courage, commitment and friendship between Poland and the 
United States.

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