[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7830 of October 11, 2004


 
General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The story of Revolutionary War hero Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski is
one of bravery and sacrifice that helped to secure America's blessings
of liberty. We remember General Pulaski for his skill in battle, his
commitment to freedom, and his willingness to give his life for
America's independence.
Born in Poland in 1745, Casimir Pulaski first gained distinction as a
military hero while fighting to defend his native Poland. His reputation
as a bold warrior and his dedication to the cause of liberty became
known throughout Europe.
Pulaski met with Benjamin Franklin in Paris in 1777 and agreed to join
the Americans in their fight for freedom. He quickly proved to be a
gifted military leader and was commissioned as a Brigadier General. He
became known as ``the Father of the American Cavalry,''; recruiting and
training a special corps of American, Polish, Irish, French, and German
troops who fought with great skill and success. During the siege of
Savannah in 1779, General Pulaski was mortally wounded, leaving a legacy
of heroism that continues to inspire people around the world.

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118 STAT. 4195

On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we honor a noble patriot committed to
the cause of freedom, and we recognize the countless contributions
Polish Americans have made to our Nation and our culture. We also
celebrate the strong friendship between the United States and Poland,
remembering our shared history and common values and honoring the
sacrifices of Polish troops who have served bravely alongside American
and coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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, 2004, 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 freedom.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7831--OCT. 12, 2004