[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 7, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H10545-H10550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PROCLAIMING CASIMIR PULASKI TO BE AN HONORARY CITIZEN OF THE UNITED
STATES POSTHUMOUSLY
Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 26) proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an
honorary citizen of the United States posthumously.
The Clerk read the title of the joint resolution.
The text of the joint resolution is as follows:
H.J. Res. 26
Whereas Casimir Pulaski was a Polish military officer who
fought on the side of the American colonists against the
British in the American Revolutionary War;
[[Page H10546]]
Whereas Benjamin Franklin recommended that General George
Washington accept Casimir Pulaski as a volunteer in the
American Cavalry and said that Pulaski was ``renowned
throughout Europe for the courage and bravery he displayed in
defense of his country's freedom'';
Whereas, after arriving in America, Casimir Pulaski wrote
to General Washington, ``I came here, where freedom is being
defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.'';
Whereas the first military engagement of Casimir Pulaski
with the British was on September 11, 1777, at the Battle of
Brandywine, and his courageous charge in this engagement
averted a disastrous defeat of the American Cavalry and saved
the life of George Washington;
Whereas, on September 15, 1777, George Washington elevated
Casimir Pulaski to the rank of Brigadier General of the
American Cavalry;
Whereas Casimir Pulaski formed the Pulaski Cavalry Legion,
and in February 1779, this legion ejected the British
occupiers from Charleston, South Carolina;
Whereas, in October 1779, Casimir Pulaski mounted an
assault against British forces in Savannah, Georgia;
Whereas, on the morning of October 9, 1779, Casimir Pulaski
was mortally wounded and was taken aboard the American ship
USS Wasp, where he died at sea on October 11, 1779;
Whereas, before the end of 1779, the Continental Congress
resolved that a monument should be erected in honor of
Casimir Pulaski;
Whereas, in 1825, General Lafayette laid the cornerstone
for the Casimir Pulaski monument in Savannah, Georgia; and
Whereas, in 1929, Congress passed a resolution recognizing
October 11 of each year as Pulaski Day in the United States:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That Casimir
Pulaski is proclaimed to be an honorary citizen of the United
States posthumously.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Peters). Pursuant to the rule, the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Poe) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
General Leave
Mr. WEINER. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5
legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. WEINER. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution proclaims Casimir Pulaski to be an
honorary citizen of the United States posthumously and recognizes his
contributions in aiding the American colonists in their fight for
independence against the British.
Casimir Pulaski came from Poland to fight on the side of the American
colonists against the British. At the Battle of Brandywine, he led a
courageous charge that averted defeat of the American Cavalry and saved
the life of George Washington. Washington soon elevated Pulaski to the
rank of brigadier general of the American Cavalry, and we know him now
as the Father of the American Cavalry.
Two years later, Pulaski died heroically fighting for American
independence. In 1929, the House of Representatives passed a resolution
recognizing October 11 of each year as Pulaski Day.
Once in a great while, Congress bestows the honor of posthumous
citizenship on a highly deserving person. We've done this previously
for six such persons, must recently in 2002 when we honored the Marquis
de Lafayette. Lafayette was the famed French general who, like General
Pulaski, fought alongside the American colonists during the
Revolutionary War.
This resolution is a symbolic honor that has no substantive effect on
the immigration status of his surviving family, but the honor is well
earned by General Pulaski.
I want to thank Mr. Kucinich of Ohio for sponsoring this important
resolution and for bringing General Pulaski's important contributions
to our country to the attention of the United States Congress.
I also want to thank Chairman Conyers who cosponsored House Joint
Resolution 26, Chairwoman Lofgren, and the ranking member of the
committee and subcommittee for swiftly moving the resolution to the
floor in advance of the celebration of Pulaski Day.
I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. This is important
legislation.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, over 220 years, Congress has awarded honorary
citizenship to only five individuals: Winston Churchill, Raoul
Wallenberg, William and Hannah Penn, Mother Theresa, and the Marquis de
Lafayette. Those are the only members of this exclusive club that have
been given honorary citizenship of the United States.
Honorary citizenship is an exceedingly rare honor for individuals who
have made extraordinary contributions to America. It is especially
fitting that the last person awarded honorary citizenship was another
friend of America who valiantly came to our aid during our
Revolutionary War. The Marquis de Lafayette and Casimir Pulaski both
fought on our side when the outcome of the war was in doubt with the
British, and they both made tremendous contributions to our eventual
victory and American independence. Casimir Pulaski is well known for
the founding of the American Cavalry.
The one difference between the two is that Lafayette lived to see the
birth of the United States and Pulaski did not. He died of wounds
received in combat while fighting to free Savannah from British
occupation. It is one reflection of the regard in which many hold
Casimir Pulaski in that he has already been honored by Congress in many
States and cities throughout America. In fact, a memorial to him is
located in Washington, D.C. at Freedom Plaza.
Casimir Pulaski made tremendous contributions to America's victory in
war and the independence that we enjoy today. United States citizenship
is the highest award our country can confer upon a citizen of another
land. It should be given rarely and selectively. And while I would
expect this body to continue to maintain the highest standards that any
honoree would have to meet in the future, I certainly believe that
Casimir Pulaski meets it.
With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the sponsor of this
important resolution, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).
Mr. KUCINICH. Thank you, Mr. Weiner, and I want to thank Mr. Poe, Mr.
King, and Mr. Kingston for their support, as well as Ranking Member
Smith, along with Chairwoman Lofgren and Chairman Conyers for their
thoughtful consideration and support to ensure floor consideration of
this bill.
As a sponsor of H.J. Res. 26, legislation to grant honorary
citizenship to Casimir Pulaski posthumously, I rise in strong support
and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. I also wish to
extend my deep gratitude to the Polish community leaders in Cleveland,
Ohio, who have long championed this cause. In Cleveland this includes
John Borkowski, who's the president of the Polish American Congress;
Mitchell Bienia, vice president of the Polish American Congress; and
Francis Rutkowski, also vice president of the Polish American Congress.
Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski was a hero of the American
Revolution.
Casimir Pulaski left his native Poland and fought on the side of the
colonists against the British in the American Revolution. Although
Pulaski met his untimely death on the battlefield in Savannah, Georgia,
in 1779, consideration of this bill in his honor is timely because
October 11, 2009, will mark the 230th anniversary of Pulaski's last
breath.
Indeed, after bravely fighting at Brandywine and ejecting the British
occupiers from Charleston, among other battles, General Pulaski was
mortally wounded in Savannah, Georgia, and was taken aboard the
American ship, USS Wasp, where he died at sea on October 11, 1779.
Casimir Pulaski's courageous charge in this engagement averted a
disastrous defeat of the American Cavalry and is credited with saving
the life of George Washington. On September 15, 1777, George Washington
bestowed the rank of brigadier general on Pulaski, who organized a
legion of cavalry known as the Pulaski legion.
Brigadier General Pulaski was a dedicated freedom fighter who's
credited with being the Father of the American Cavalry. He famously
said: ``I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and
to live or die for it.''
His actions speak to the strong bonds that have historically existed
between the people of the United States and the
[[Page H10547]]
people of Poland. They are also a reminder of the important
contributions of Polish Americans to our Nation and communities.
This legislation is supported by the Polish Legion of American
Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., and the Polish
American Congress.
It is my sincere hope that Brigadier General Pulaski will not have to
wait any longer before he is bestowed with this honorary citizenship he
so deserves for his sincere commitment and ultimate sacrifice for
freedom for the people of the United States of America. With passage of
this legislation, this body will ensure that General Pulaski is one
step closer to receiving the honor and appreciation he deserves.
I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation granting
honorary citizenship to Casimir Pulaski posthumously.
Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from Iowa (Mr. King).
Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for
yielding time.
I want to thank my friend, Dennis Kucinich, for bringing this
resolution to confer honorary citizenship on Casimir Pulaski. This is a
rare honor and only having that happen a small number of times before
in five separate incidents of people of the highest standard in the
history of the United States and those that exemplified our values:
Winston Churchill, Raoul Wallenberg, William and Hannah Penn--William
Penn, of course--and also Mother Theresa and the Marquis de Lafayette.
I think it's very interesting that this proposal comes before this
Congress as--I'll put it this way--Casimir Pulaski was endorsed and
recruited into the military by the Marquis de Lafayette, and he was
endorsed and, of course, promoted by George Washington. Now, when
you're endorsed and promoted by people of that caliber--and now here we
are more than two generations hence--I think that's a very high
standard. And I want to maintain a very high standard for honorary
citizenship.
It has been a slow process for me to get to this point of conviction
on this because the standards are so high. When I see Mother Theresa,
that's a really high standard. And I don't propose that Casimir Pulaski
belongs in the league of any one of these individuals, but he belongs
in this category of approval today.
So we've heard much of the history: a ``freedom fighter'' is the best
way to describe him, and the Father of the United States Cavalry; a
person who was killed in battle, died 2 days later aboard a ship, the
Wasp.
And I would also submit that we are here at least within a short
period of time at a low point in U.S.-Polish relations. I won't
embellish that in this discussion any further, but I am hopeful that
this resolution which I expect to pass today sends the strongest and
warmest message to our friends in Poland that we are allies, we are all
freedom fighters together, and we'll stand together. And we'll stand
together in the spirit of the Marquis de Lafayette, George Washington,
whose life was saved by Casimir Pulaski, and in the spirit of Casimir
Pulaski himself.
I thank my friend Dennis Kucinich for bringing this resolution.
Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I rise in support of this excellent resolution. Since its founding,
the people of Poland have been great allies to the United States in our
own struggle for freedom, and of course then our working with them in
their struggle for freedom.
One of the first and finest Americans who was a great friend to our
country was Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski. I want to commend
Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio for helping to make history correct
today by granting honorary citizenship to this great Pole, whose life
stood for freedom.
He was born on March 6, 1745, in Warsaw, Poland, and at the age of 15
he joined his father and other members of the Polish nobility in
opposing the Russian and Prussian interference in Polish affairs. He
moved to Paris where he befriended Benjamin Franklin and was fascinated
by the idea of the American colonies and the new Nation it wished to
become. He volunteered his services to fight for our nascent freedom.
{time} 1415
Benjamin Franklin wrote to George Washington describing the young
Pole as ``an officer renowned throughout Europe for the courage and
bravery he displayed in defense of his country's freedom.''
Pulaski fought on the side of America against the British in the
Revolutionary War and became known as the father of the American
Cavalry. The brilliant history of the Polish Cavalry is now being
restored at a location called Grudziadz, Poland, and Casimir Pulaski,
with this honorary citizenship today, should become a part of those
growing collections; and with passage of this bill today, we should
seek, as a Congress, additional ways for us to link the history of our
cavalry and the Polish cavalry in the world's struggle for freedom.
These are works not yet fully represented and remain largely unwritten.
After fighting bravely for our country, General Pulaski was mortally
wounded at the Battle of Savannah in Georgia, and died there on October
11, 1779. Casimir Pulaski is a hero in his native country of Poland. He
is also a hero in our country, one for which he fought so valiantly to
create. This is why his being granted honorary citizenship in our
country is so important and why he should be recognized permanently by
the Nation that he helped to create and to defend in a singularly noble
undertaking.
I urge my colleagues to support honorary citizenship for General
Casimir Pulaski.
Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman
from Georgia (Mr. Kingston).
Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, as a Savannahian, I am very proud to
support this resolution and thank all of the authors of it. I want to
say it is somewhat of a shock that we haven't already done this
resolution in past Congresses, and so I am very glad we are doing it
today. Many of my remarks have already been said, but I think it is
well worth reviewing everything.
Casimir Pulaski was a man who fought for freedom on two different
continents and is given the title ``Soldier of Liberty.'' He has been
honored all over the United States with numerous streets and bridges
and roads. In Savannah, we have an 11-foot obelisk that shows where he
is buried as his grave and a Civil War fort named after him.
He was born March 4, 1747, in Poland and came from a family of
knightly traditions. The Pulaskis took part in the victorious wars by
King John III Sobieski against the Turks in the 17th century. By age
21, Casimir Pulaski proved to be a true military talent, fighting in
battles across the European continent.
In 1776, Pulaski learned of America's struggle for independence, and
as has been said, he met Benjamin Franklin in Paris and learned of the
struggle. Inspired by freedom's call, he joined General George
Washington in the cause of the American Revolution in 1776 and was soon
commissioned as brigadier general. General Pulaski recruited and
trained a special corps of American, Polish, Irish, French, and German
troops, and became known as the ``Father of the American Cavalry.''
In 1778, he received his commission, and in 1779, he was ordered to
South Carolina to support the American General Benjamin Lincoln.
Benjamin Lincoln also has a street named after him in Savannah. They
reached Charleston in May and helped defend the city against British
attack. Later that year, Pulaski joined forces with Lincoln, who was
assisted by a French force to defend Savannah.
Pulaski was mortally wounded in that battle on October 9, 1779, but
there are actually two stories about how he died. Many believe that he
was taken to sea and died 2 days later on board the American ship the
Wasp en route to Charleston on October 11. Indeed, there were two
people who were wounded and put on the ships because they did not want
the British to know which ship was actually carrying Pulaski. So there
was a decoy ruse.
The story, though, that we have grown to believe is actually true is
[[Page H10548]]
that he died on October 15 and was buried at Greenwich Plantation just
outside of Savannah. He was exhumed in 1853 and his remains were placed
in the cornerstone of Pulaski Monument.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. POE of Texas. I yield the gentleman another 1 minute.
Mr. KINGSTON. In 1996, the remains were exhumed again and DNA tests
were run to determine if they were indeed General Pulaski's. Some of
the smartest people of our day have determined that those bones from
the DNA tests were probably General Pulaski's.
Several years ago, October 11, as we know, was named General Pulaski
Memorial Day. I think we can be very proud that we are doing what I
consider unfinished business to honor someone who has meant so much to
the cause of American liberty and to liberty all around the globe. I am
very proud to be part of this, and I want to invite everybody to come
to Savannah and see Pulaski Monument and we will give you a little tour
of the town and take you out to the Thunderbolt, where the USS Wasp
departed from when he was on board.
Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, there is no city with a richer tradition and
a larger population of Polish Americans for whom this day represents
another day of tribute for another one of their heroes than Chicago,
and I would like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the Chicago,
Illinois area, Mr. Lipinski, to express the sentiments of his
constituents.
Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, as a proud Polish American, I rise today
to honor the life and service of Casimir Pulaski and ask my colleagues
to support the passage of H.J. Res. 26. Pulaski played an instrumental
role and gave the ultimate sacrifice in support of the American
Revolution and deserves our utmost respect and gratitude.
Casimir Pulaski devoted his life to the cause of liberty around the
world. Inspired by the plight of a young nation striving to be free,
Pulaski traveled to America to serve under General George Washington.
Quickly distinguishing himself as a brilliant military tactician,
Pulaski was entrusted by General Washington with sole command of the
fledgling national cavalry. Pulaski was appointed brigadier general 4
days after a heroic performance at Brandywine, where he rescued the
cavalry from certain defeat and saved the life of General Washington.
General Pulaski also played an instrumental role in conflicts with
British forces in the battles of Germantown, Little Egg Harbor, and
Minisink before heading south to Charleston and ultimately Savannah. It
was in Savannah that General Pulaski was struck with cannon fire while
charging into battle. He died a few days later at the age of 34.
In Chicago, we honor Casimir Pulaski with his name on a major road.
In Illinois, we honor Pulaski with a State holiday of Pulaski Day.
Today, let us do what he is truly deserving of; let us give Casimir
Pulaski, this brave, deserving patriot, the rare honor of being named
an honorary American citizen.
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentlewoman from Illinois
(Ms. Schakowsky) for 2 minutes.
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of proclaiming
Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United States and to
honor his legacy of heroism and military service. I want to thank
Congressman Dennis Kucinich for introducing and promoting this
resolution, and the gentleman from New York for yielding me this time
to speak.
Casimir Pulaski's contributions to both his homeland and his adopted
country are immeasurable. Born in 1747, Pulaski valiantly fought
Russian control and domination of his native Poland. However, instead
of being lauded for his heroism and his distinguished service toward
freedom and independence on behalf of his people, he was forced to flee
and became an exile.
Even after leaving Poland, Pulaski remained a voice for just causes
and the unwavering spirit of freedom. He joined in colonial America's
struggle against the British and fought alongside General George
Washington during the Revolutionary War, and as the first commander of
the American Cavalry, he became known as the ``Father of the American
Cavalry.'' He paid the ultimate price and was fatally wounded during
the Battle of Savannah.
Mr. Speaker, Casimir Pulaski is a true American hero who fought and
died for independence and freedom that we as Americans enjoy today. He
is honored in Illinois with a State holiday in his name, and Chicago
has the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw. He is a true
American hero. He served our Nation with honor and courage, and I am
proud today to support legislation that will finally, over 200 years
after his death, grant him honorary citizenship to the country for
which he died.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.
Mr. POE of Texas. I continue to reserve my time.
Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to Mr. Tonko.
Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for
yielding me this time.
I rise in support of this resolution. I thank Member Kucinich for the
outstanding work that he has done on this resolution.
General Casimir Pulaski being designated as an honorary citizen of
our country is a very valid and important resolution. This son of
liberty, this patriot, lent his military expertise to more than just
his motherland. It is obvious throughout this world he was concerned
about promoting fairness and liberty, and he helped write in very sound
terms American history. He helped make this country the great one that
she is.
Throughout my congressional district, throughout the State of New
York, and indeed throughout our country, there are semblances of
recognition of this great general. Streets, roads, bridges and, indeed,
monuments bear his name that reflect the greatness of the individual.
Polish Americans of this land throughout its history have made
immense contributions, very valuable contributions to the betterment of
America. Prime amongst them is this great general, one who helped write
this history with his military expertise. Polish Americans have reached
across many dynamics to make a sound difference in our great country.
I rise in support of this outstanding resolution, commend the
sponsor, and encourage my colleagues to do likewise.
Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, we are prepared to close.
Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time
to close.
I want to thank Mr. Kucinich for bringing this well-thought-out
resolution and well-deserved honor to this general of the American
troops. General Pulaski founded the American Cavalry, which has shown
great bravery and courage as it later represented the United States.
I think it is timely that this resolution came to the House to grant
honorary citizenship to this general. It is a big deal to be an
American citizen, and it is a big deal for this Nation to confer that
honor on some other individual who is a citizen of another nation.
Polish Americans and the people in Poland have long been our allies
when we needed them, and America has been the ally of Poland when they
needed us.
Earlier this year, I had the chance to meet with numerous Polish
individuals in Poland, and one of the things we talked about was the
bond, the friendship that our two nations have as allies.
This resolution honoring General Pulaski is a symbol of that
relationship that we have of continuing to be allies on our quest and
their quest and universal quests for all people for freedom and
liberty.
With that, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas. I just
want to tell the gentleman that when that mistake was made by the
Speaker, referring to you as a Member from New York, I think you would
need a translator in New York as much as I would need one if I were
ever to be the Representative from Texas. And I would like to thank him
for his leadership.
[[Page H10549]]
{time} 1430
I want to thank Representative Kucinich for bringing this resolution
to us. I also, on behalf of those of us in New York who represent large
Polish American communities for whom Pulaski is an enduring hero, for
communities like Green Point and Williamsburg that Congresswoman
Velazquez represents, this is a great moment of celebration. Those
communities and Bridgewood also, Congresswoman Velazquez and I
represent that community of South Park Slope, these are communities
that every day, proud Americans of Polish descent teach their children
about the heroism of the many Polish Americans that came before, and
how important that community has been to building this country to what
it is.
You know, we forget it sometimes, but we never should on this floor,
that all of us come from someplace else. And we do so with this notion
that we are deeply American, but we never forget where we came from.
And all of us point with great pride to the people, the ethnicities
that we represent, that have their moments of celebration. And then
Casimir Pulaski is someone not just who brings great pride to people of
Polish descent, but who reminds us all what it took to make this
country what it was at the very earliest days.
No one came here and says, Hey, I'm an American, so I'm going to
fight for this country. We came from other places and fought for the
American ideal, and that's something Casimir Pulaski reminds us. And by
making him an honorary citizen posthumously, and by taking up Mr.
Kucinich's call, I think we do great honor, not only to the memory of
Casimir Pulaski, but also to this House and the traditions of our fine
country. And I ask a ``yes'' vote.
Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the passage of H.J.
Res. 26, a resolution proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary
citizen of the United States posthumously.
As a cosponsor of this resolution and a member of the Congressional
Poland Caucus, I am honored to recognize this valiant soldier with
citizenship to a country for which he literally gave his life.
Pulaski, a revered military officer in his native Poland, came to
the United States and fought alongside American colonists in the
Revolutionary War. Known as the ``Father of the American Cavalry,''
Pulaski fought with distinction in several crucial battles, including
the Battle of Brandywine, where he saved the life of George Washington,
and the Battle of Savannah, where he was mortally wounded.
In a letter to Washington, Pulaski wrote: ``I came here, where
freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.''
Pulaski is a well-respected figure in the United States, having been
honored with numerous statues and monuments. One such statue stands in
my Western New York district, where over 106,000 residents are of
Polish ancestry. Each year in my district, the Western New York General
Pulaski Association celebrates Pulaski's legacy with an annual wreath
laying ceremony in the City of Buffalo and parade in the Town of
Cheektowaga.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Kucinich for introducing this
resolution and the nearly 40 cosponsors for their support of this long-
overdue recognition.
Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 26, which
grants honorary American citizenship to a great hero of the American
Revolution whose amazing and admirable story is also, in part, a
Philadelphia story.
Casimir Pulaski, the son of a Polish count renowned as a military
leader in his own right, was forced to flee his native land and
traveled to Paris, where in 1776 he met Benjamin Franklin. Franklin
gave him a letter of introduction which Pulaski presented to General
Washington in Philadelphia in 1777. He showed such bravery and military
strategic skill in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown that
Washington promoted him to brigadier general and chief of cavalry.
Casimir Pulaski fought important battles at Little Egg Harbor, NJ, and
along the Delaware River. Later he was sent south to lead troops at
Charleston and Savannah, where he was fatally wounded in 1779.
To this day, General Pulaski--along with his compatriot Thaddeus
Kosciuszko--is revered by Philadelphia's vibrant and sizeable Polish-
American community, and throughout our region. A school is named for
Casimir Pulaski in Wilmington, Delaware. His life and accomplishments
are honored at Philadelphia's Polish American Cultural Center Museum,
308 Walnut Street. A statue of Pulaski stands in the Garden of Heroes
on the west side of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. And this past
Sunday, October 4, Philadelphia celebrated with the Pulaski Day Parade,
an annual Polish-American heritage parade on the Benjamin Franklin
Parkway.
The honorary citizenship we are endorsing today in the resolution put
forward by Congressman Kucinich and Senator Durbin is long overdue. It
is nonetheless welcome and meaningful to Americans of Polish heritage
and to all Americans who share Casimir Pulaski's love of liberty and
willingness to offer his life for the cause. I urge my colleagues to
support H.J. Res. 26.
Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great
American and Polish hero Casimir Pulaski and to echo the sentiments of
my colleagues in support of honoring him with posthumous citizenship.
Casimir Pulaski fought as a Polish military officer on the side of
the American colonists against the British in the American
Revolutionary War, writing to General George Washington, ``I came here,
where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for
it.''
Pulaski first fought in 1777 and continued to demonstrate his courage
and bravery in battle until his death in 1779. In the Battle of
Brandywine, his courageous charge saved the life of our great
forefather George Washington.
Additionally, Pulaski is known as the father of the American cavalry.
He rose through the ranks to brigadier general, where he used his
position to mount assaults, to remove British troops from our lands,
and to defend freedom no matter the circumstances or opposition.
So great was Pulaski's dedication to the ideals of liberty and
freedom that he made the ultimate sacrifice. He was mortally wounded in
1779 during the Battle of Savannah. In recognition of his service to
this great country, in 1929 Congress passed a resolution recognizing
October 11 as ``Pulaski Day,'' a day Chicago has long celebrated.
Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, and many more, I encourage my
colleagues to grant posthumous citizenship to Casimir Pulaski, a man
who understood that freedom and democracy have no boundaries.
Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it has become the custom of
this great country to recognize the contributions made on behalf of
freedom for the American people. Each year we celebrate Memorial Day to
commemorate lives that have been given in service of our Nation and
Veterans Day to recognize our service men and women. But occasionally,
it is necessary to commemorate the actions of individuals in furthering
the cause of American freedom.
In this Chamber, we feature the portrait of Marquis de Lafayette, a
Frenchman who left his family and the comforts of life in Europe to
fight for freedom in the colonies. Lafayette sacrificed much to serve
as an adviser to General Washington, and was rewarded by witnessing the
surrender of the British at the Battle of Yorktown. Among honors
conferred on General Lafayette was an honorary U.S. citizenship.
But less known and appreciated for his service is Casimir Pulaski, a
Polish Revolutionary War hero who fought and died for our country over
200 years ago. Pulaski was a Polish commander who fought the Russians
for Polish independence, and, as a result, he was renowned in Europe
for his bravery and cavalry skills. Following the recommendation of
Benjamin Franklin, General Washington brought him to America to help
our forces fight the British.
Pulaski was promoted to general officer by Washington after showing
incredible bravery at the Battle of Brandywine. And when funding from
Congress was tight, Pulaski used his own money to purchase necessary
equipment for his soldiers. In 1779, after launching an assault against
the British in the Battle of Savannah, Pulaski was wounded, and he died
2 days later. In his death, he fulfilled a commitment he had made to
General Washington in which he stated ``I came here, where freedom is
being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.''
I am a proud cosponsor of this joint resolution which would
posthumously declare Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the
United States. This is one of the rarest honors that the Congress can
bestow, and we have only done so on six previous occasions.
The concept of freedom drew patriots from across the colonies, and
around the world, to our land to join in our struggle for freedom.
Casimir Pulaski had the bravery, courage, and love of liberty and
independence that the Polish people have been so well known for
throughout history. He died for our freedom and he deserves this
posthumous recognition.
Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and
service of General Casimir Pulaski, who gave his life on October 11,
1779, to the cause of American independence. General Pulaski, born in
Warsaw, Poland, on March 6, 1745, arrived in Philadelphia in 1777,
where he met General George Washington and made the heroic decision to
support the colonies through the American Revolution. Through
subsequent battles, General
[[Page H10550]]
Pulaski distinguished himself as a relentless, courageous, and
unwavering leader towards the fight for our Nation's independence.
The life and valor of General Pulaski is celebrated with great pride
back in my home district of Michigan. A statue of General Pulaski was
erected in 1966 at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington
Boulevard in Detroit, a mere block and a half from my District office,
as a gift from the large Polish-American population in the Metropolitan
Detroit area. This community is one of many that together contribute to
the richness and diversity of my home district, and that of this great
Nation.
Even before America was a Nation, General Pulaski exhibited two
traits that Americans still embody today: self-sacrifice and fighting
for a cause greater than oneself. It is with great honor that I rise to
express my support for House Joint Resolution 26, which will proclaim
General Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United States
of America.
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 26, a
resolution granting honorary citizenship to the great Revolutionary War
Hero, Casimir Pulaski. As a proud Pole, I am pleased to cosponsor this
resolution and thank my friend, colleague, and fellow Pole from Ohio,
Representative Dennis Kucinich, on its introduction.
Casimir Pulaski left Poland, already a renowned war hero, in search
of freedom. Upon arriving in America, Pulaski wrote to George
Washington, ``I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve
it, and to live or die for it.'' During the Revolutionary War, Pulaski
led a legion of cavalry known as the Polaski legion, for which he later
became known as the father of the American cavalry.
Casimir Pulaski played a major role in securing American freedom from
the British. On September 11, 1777, Pulaksi participated in his first
military engagement at the Battle of Brandywine where he helped avert
defeat and saved the life of George Washington. Four days later,
Washington elevated Pulaski to rank of Brigadier General of the
American Cavalry. In February, 1779, the Pulaski Cavalry Legion ejected
the British from Charleston, South Carolina and in October of that
year, Pulaski mounted an assault against British Forces in Savannah,
Georgia. On October 9, 1779, Pulaski was mortally wounded and
transferred aboard the USS Wasp where he died at Sea on October 11,
1779.
Pulaski has long been recognized by our government as a vital figure
in American history. In 1825, General Lafayette laid the cornerstone
for the Casimir Pulaski monument in Savannah, Georgia, and in 1929,
Congress passed a resolution recognizing October 11 of each year as
Pulaski Day in the United States. I am proud to share a Polish heritage
with Casimir Pulaski. The granting of honorary American citizenship is
long overdue for this freedom-loving man who represents all that it
means to be an American.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution and urge my
colleagues to do the same.
Mr. WEINER. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 26.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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