[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2906]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING GENERAL CASIMIR PULASKI DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2012

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, today, Chicago remembers the great Polish 
General Casimir Pulaski in annual celebrations surrounding General 
Casimir Pulaski Day.
  Chicago is home to one of the largest populations of Poles in the 
world outside of Warsaw, so today marks a special day for many of my 
constituents who observe this holiday and remember General Pulaski's 
enduring and lasting contributions to our nation.
  Born in Poland in 1745, Pulaski joined the fight for Polish 
liberation from Russian influences and later fought for American 
independence from Britain.
  After meeting Pulaski in France, Benjamin Franklin wrote to George 
Washington that Pulaski was ``an officer renowned throughout Europe for 
the courage and bravery he displayed in defense of his country's 
freedom.''
  Arriving in America in 1777, Pulaski assisted Washington's 
Continental Army in the Revolutionary War, at the behest of Franklin.
  Pulaski distinguished himself as a gifted military tactician and 
became known as the ``Father of the American Cavalry,'' often using his 
own finances to provide his forces with the finest equipment when 
allocations from Congress were limited.
  He valiantly gave his life in 1779, fighting for the freedom he so 
believed in, and has been remembered since that day by both Americans 
and Poles for his dedication to liberty and justice for all.
  My recent trip to Poland reminded me how important it is for the 
United States and Poland to continue nurturing and celebrating our 
long-standing relationship as friends and allies.
  To this end, I will continue pushing for Poland's inclusion in the 
Visa Waiver Program.
  I hope that by making it easier for Polish citizens to visit their 
loved ones here in America, even more Polish families in my district 
will be able to celebrate next year's Casimir Pulaski Day together.

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