[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 200 (Wednesday, October 16, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 64025-64026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26521]



[[Page 64023]]

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Part V





The President





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Proclamation 7607--General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2002
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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 16, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 7607 of October 10, 2002

                
General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Americans celebrate our friendship and common 
                commitment to freedom with the people of Poland each 
                year on October 11, when we honor Brigadier General 
                Casimir Pulaski, a hero of the American Revolutionary 
                War. As a brave Polish patriot, General Pulaski made 
                the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation, giving his life 
                in 1779 to help America gain its independence. His 
                devotion to liberty continues to inspire us today as we 
                join with our allies to secure peace and freedom around 
                the globe.

                Before joining the American Revolution in 1777, Casimir 
                Pulaski struggled against oppression in his native 
                Poland, fighting alongside his father and brothers to 
                defend their homeland from Prussian and Imperial 
                Russian invaders. Though his cause was ultimately 
                overcome by those powerful forces, Pulaski was widely 
                recognized for his courageous actions as a cavalry 
                officer and leader of Polish forces. Benjamin Franklin 
                lauded Pulaski as ``famous throughout Europe for his 
                bravery and conduct in defense of the liberties of his 
                country.''

                When General Pulaski joined General George Washington's 
                staff, he immediately made important contributions to 
                the war effort. He led a critical counterattack at the 
                Battle of Brandywine that avoided a potential military 
                disaster, earning him a commission as a Brigadier 
                General. American leaders valued Pulaski's experience 
                in battle, his knowledge of military strategy, and his 
                pioneering efforts that led to a recognition that he 
                was the ``Father of the American cavalry.'' While 
                leading cavalry forces in the Siege of Savannah, 
                Pulaski was wounded, and died on October 11, 1779.

                Two hundred and twenty-five years ago, Casimir Pulaski 
                joined forces with Americans to establish liberty and 
                overcome despotism. That inspiration and solidarity is 
                mirrored today as we engage in a war against terrorism. 
                As part of a global coalition, which includes the 
                government and people of Poland, we are working to 
                ensure that our two nations remain strong friends and 
                allies in our effort to build a safer, more peaceful 
                world for all.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 Friday, October 11, 2002, as 
                General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans 
                to commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs 
                and activities paying tribute to Casimir Pulaski and 
                honoring all those who defend the freedom of our great 
                Nation.

[[Page 64026]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-26521
Filed 10-15-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P