    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7721 of October 10, 2003

    General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski sacrificed his life on October 11,
    1779, for America's independence and the universal cause of freedom. His
    bravery in supporting the American Revolutionary War is an inspiration
    to individuals around the world who pursue peace and freedom for all.
    Growing up near Warsaw, Casimir Pulaski knew firsthand the horror of
    tyranny and oppression. In 1768, he joined his father and fellow
    compatriots in rising against injustice and fighting for Polish
    independence. As a commander in the rebellion, the young Pole
    demonstrated a devotion to freedom and great courage. When the rebellion
    was quelled, Pulaski was exiled to France, where he continued to pursue
    freedom with the same spirit and determination that he had shown in
    Poland.
    While in Paris, he met with the American envoy to France, Benjamin
    Franklin, who discussed with him America's struggle for independence.
    Pulaski then volunteered his services to General George Washington. In
    his first letter to General Washington after arriving in America in the
    summer of 1777, General Pulaski pledged that he ``came here, where
    freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live and die for it.''
    Impressed with General Pulaski's abilities and battle experience,
    General Washington commissioned him as a Brigadier General of the
    American cavalry. In May 1779, General Pulaski's new cavalry division
    successfully defended the city of Charleston, South Carolina. Several
    months later, in the siege of Savannah, General Pulaski was mortally
    wounded while trying to raise morale and rally his troops who were under
    heavy enemy fire.
    General Pulaski's bravery and sacrifice helped lead America to victory,
    and today, the Polish motto--``for your freedom and ours''--echoes the
    great spirit of this Polish and American hero. This day, we commemorate
    General Pulaski's service to our Nation and draw strength from his

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    example. We also honor the sacrifices of the many men and women of
    Poland and other allied nations who persevere with us in the fight for
    freedom.
    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 October 11, 2003, 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
    Nation.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    eighth.
    GEORGE W. BUSH