[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 198 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 55317-55318]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-27793]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 198 / Wednesday, October 14, 1998 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 55317]]


                Proclamation 7138 of October 9, 1998

                
General Pulaski Memorial Day, 1998

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Two hundred nineteen years ago, General Casimir Pulaski 
                selflessly gave his life on an American battlefield, 
                far from his native soil, in a struggle dedicated to 
                the principles of freedom and self-governance. Each 
                year on October 11, America solemnly marks the 
                anniversary of the death of this hero, a man whose 
                devotion to liberty recognized no national boundary.

                Born in Poland in 1747, Pulaski first joined the fight 
                against tyranny and oppression at his father's side, 
                defending their beloved homeland against Prussian and 
                Imperial Russian aggression. At the age of 21, Pulaski 
                took command of a detachment of rebel forces and proved 
                his valor and strategic skill as he led freedom 
                fighters into numerous battles. Struggling against 
                insurmountable odds, he and his fellow rebels were 
                ultimately defeated, and Pulaski was forced into exile.

                Carrying the cause of freedom to foreign shores, 
                Pulaski came to America to offer his services to George 
                Washington in our country's struggle for independence. 
                He wrote to General Washington, ``I came here, where 
                freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or 
                die for it.'' He proved true to his word. Washington 
                was so impressed with Pulaski's abilities during the 
                battle of Brandywine Creek that he recommended that the 
                Continental Congress appoint Pulaski as general of the 
                American cavalry. Pulaski and the special infantry and 
                cavalry unit he formed fought bravely at the front 
                lines of the Revolutionary War. And during the siege of 
                Savannah, Casimir Pulaski gave his life so that our 
                Nation might live in freedom.

                Every year on this date, Americans across our country 
                commemorate General Pulaski and draw inspiration from 
                his life and the principles for which he fought. As we 
                reflect on how far liberty and democracy have advanced 
                across the globe, we know that General Pulaski's 
                gallant and determinedspirit continues to live. It is 
                this very spirit that kept alive the dream of freedom 
                in the hearts and minds of the Polish people during the 
                darkest days of Nazi and Communist oppression. Today, 
                thanks to the enduring resolve and sacrifices of modern 
                heroes following Pulaski's example, Europe is free, and 
                the United States and Poland, as staunch friends and 
                future NATO allies, look forward to a new millennium 
                bright with the prospects of peace and prosperity.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, October 11, 1998, as 
                General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans 
                to commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs 
                and activities.

[[Page 55318]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
                hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of 
                the United States of America the two hundred and 
                twenty-third.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 98-27793
Filed 10-13-98; 11:43 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P