[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 197 (Wednesday, October 13, 1999)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 55405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-26794]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 197 / Wednesday, October 13, 1999 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 55405]]

                Proclamation 7234 of October 6, 1999

                
General Pulaski Memorial Day, 1999

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In the more than two centuries that have passed since 
                the signing of our Declaration of Independence, America 
                has grown from a struggling democracy into the most 
                powerful Nation on earth. But today, even as we enter 
                the new century as a proud, prosperous, and free 
                people, we must never forget those friends who cast 
                their lot with us when the outcome of our bid for 
                independence was unclear. Among those to whom we owe 
                such a debt of gratitude is General Casimir Pulaski of 
                Poland, who gave his life for our freedom on a 
                Revolutionary War battlefield 220 years ago this month.

                Casimir Pulaski had scarcely reached adulthood when he 
                joined his father and brothers in the struggle for 
                sovereignty for their native Poland. Though the Polish 
                forces were skilled in battle, neighboring empires 
                outnumbered and defeated them, and Pulaski himself was 
                forced into exile. But soon the young soldier answered 
                another call for freedom--this time on behalf of the 
                fledgling United States of America. He distinguished 
                himself in his first military engagement in our War for 
                Independence, and the Continental Congress immediately 
                commissioned him as a brigadier general and assigned 
                him to command the cavalry of the Continental Army. 
                Fighting with characteristic valor and distinction, 
                General Pulaski was killed during the Battle of 
                Savannah and earned an enduring place in our Nation's 
                history.

                As we honor Casimir Pulaski this year, we give thanks 
                that for the first time, Poles and Americans can 
                proudly observe the anniversary of General Pulaski's 
                death as NATO allies. In the years to come, both our 
                peoples will continue to draw strength from the memory 
                of Casimir Pulaski and from the courage and sacrifice 
                of so many Poles and Polish Americans who have helped 
                ensure the freedom, peace, and prosperity our two 
                countries enjoy today.

                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 Monday, October 11, 1999, as 
                General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans 
                to commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs 
                and activities.

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 99-26794
Filed 10-12-99; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P