[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 23774-23779]
[From the U.S. 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;
       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.

[[Page 23775]]

  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 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

[[Page 23776]]

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 
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

[[Page 23777]]

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.

                              {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.

[[Page 23778]]


  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 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 Pulaski legion, for which he later 
became known as the father of the American cavalry.

[[Page 23779]]

  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. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 26 to 
honor General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish born national hero, as an 
honorary American citizen.
  Casimir Pulaski received designations ranging from ``Soldier of 
Liberty'' to ``The Father of the American Cavalry'' for his honorable 
service of fighting for freedom on two continents. In the United 
States, streets, counties, squares, and even an American submarine bear 
his name. Both the beginning and end of his noble life are cloaked with 
mystery--competing stories exist about his birth and death; however, 
his actions of defending freedom in his homeland of Poland as well as 
America are renowned.
  Casimir Pulaski was born to a family of Polish nobility either on 
March 4 or 6, 1745, 1746 or 1747 in Winiary, Warsaw, or Waka on the 
Pilica, Poland. Pulaski's distant relatives give his birth date as 
March 4, 1747 in Winiary, Poland; however, scrupulous biographical 
notes of the Pulaski family history state that Casimir was born on 
March 4, 1746, but gives no mention of the place. On the other hand, 
baptismal records show March 4, 1745 as the date of birth, connecting 
his given name to his birth on the feastday of St. Casimir. The date of 
Casimir's actual baptism was recorded as March 6, 1745 in Warsaw on 
Nowy Swiat Street. Then again, the National Park Service records his 
birth date as March 4, 1747 in Waka on the Pilica, Poland.
  Regardless of his curious beginning, historians agree that Casimir 
began his military career at the age of fifteen when young Pulaski 
joined his father and other members of the Polish nobility in opposing 
the Russian and Prussian interference in Polish affairs.
  After being banished to Paris, Pulaski met Benjamin Franklin who 
urged him to support the colonies in the American Revolution. Pulaski 
was impressed with the ideals of a new nation struggling to be free and 
volunteered his services. Franklin wrote to George Washington 
describing Pulaski as ``an officer renowned throughout Europe for the 
courage and bravery he displayed in defense of his country's freedom.''
  In 1777, Pulaski arrived in Philadelphia where he met General 
Washington, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. After 
coming to the aid of Washington's forces and distinguishing himself as 
a talented military tactician, Pulaski was sent south to assist 
American colonial forces. Georgia became the only American colony to be 
re-conquered by the British on December 29, 1778, and Pulaski was sent 
to assist Comte Jean Baptiste Hector d'Estaing and Benjamin Lincoln 
regain control of Savannah from the British who had amassed about 3,000 
defenders.
  The areas surrounding Savannah created a difficult environment for 
the French and American forces. The left and right sides of Savannah 
are marshlands which created tough obstacles through which to advance. 
In the front of the city, a cleared plain of small rolling hills made 
it impossible for a group of soldiers to advance without being seen 
from the redoubts that encircled the city. The Siege of Savannah became 
one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War, and a military 
failure of colonists with more than 1,000 of the attacking forces 
killed. In 2005, archaeologists with Coastal Heritage Society 
discovered the long-lost Spring Hill Redoubt. This unearthed the site 
of the bloodiest fighting of the siege and scene of the mortal wounding 
of Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski.
  While historians can agree that Pulaski commanded the French and 
American cavalry during the Siege of Savannah and sustained mortal 
wounds during fighting from grapeshot on October 9, 1779, consensus 
ends there.
  Two divergent tales of his death continue today--one from a Georgia 
family, another from two of Pulaski's officers. The first has injured 
Pulaski being sent to Charleston aboard the Wasp, but passing on 
October 15 and taken to Greenwich Plantation, Georgia for burial. In 
1854, bones were discovered in an unmarked grave at the former family 
plantation of William P. Bowen. Bowen said his grandmother and aunt 
told him the grave was Pulaski's. The bones were then entombed inside 
the marble cornerstone of the Pulaski Monument in Savannah. Restoration 
of the monument in 1996 led to another exhumation by Chatham County 
Coroner James C. Metts Jr. After eight years of attempts, investigators 
failed to extract a complete DNA sequence to compare with a living 
Pulaski descendant in Poland. A draft report by Metts' team concluded 
``the mystery remains unsolved.'' It also states that ``strong 
circumstantial evidence does suggest that the remains are Casimir 
Pulaski.''
  However, historical accounts from two officers who served under 
Pulaski tell a different story. They report that General Pulaski was 
wounded on October 9, 1776, but that he died two days later on October 
11 aboard the Wasp en route to Charleston. The two officers report that 
Pulaski was then buried at sea near the mouth of the Savannah River 
where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
  Even with conflicting details of his birth and death, General 
Pulaski's military history is commemorated in Savannah by multiple 
tributes including Fort Pulaski, Pulaski Elementary, Pulaski Square, 
and Pulaski National Monument. I am privileged to commend General 
Pulaski and his admirable service to our Nation and support his 
honorary citizenship.
  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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