[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8582--OCT. 8, 2010

Proclamation 8582 of October 8, 2010
General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

From before our Nation's founding until today, daring individuals have
fought to defend America with unwavering devotion. Casimir Pulaski was a
Polish patriot, yet he laid down his life in defense of American
independence during the Revolutionary War. Each year, on October 11,
Americans pause to remember this champion of liberty who fought
valiantly for the freedom of Poland and the United States, and we
proudly reflect upon our rich Polish-American heritage.
As a young man, Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski witnessed the
occupation of Poland by foreign troops and fought for his homeland's
freedom, determined to resist subjugation. During his subsequent exile
to France, he learned of our nascent struggle for independence, and
volunteered his service to our cause. Pulaski arrived in America in 1777
and served in the American Cavalry under the command of General George
Washington. Valued for his vast military experience, General Pulaski led
colonists on horseback with admirable skill, earning a reputation as the
``father of American Cavalry.'' Pulaski was mortally wounded during the
siege of Savannah, and he died from his wounds on October 11, 1779.

[[Page 4715]]

General Pulaski's legacy survives in a long line of proud Polish
Americans, who have arrived on our shores seeking freedom and
opportunity and have served in our Armed Forces to defend our Nation.
Polish Americans have carried with them values and traditions that have
shaped our society, and their immeasurable contributions have
strengthened our country. This proud community has been integral to our
success as a Nation, and will play a prominent leadership role in the
years ahead.
General Pulaski wrote to our first President, ``I came here, where
freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.'' We
have never forgotten his sacrifice for our independence or his
patriotism in defending freedom across two continents. Today, the people
of the United States and Poland are bound by our solemn obligations to
each other's security and our shared values, including a deep and
abiding commitment to liberty, democracy, and human rights. On General
Pulaski Memorial Day, we celebrate the early beginnings of our strong
friendship, our lasting ties to the people of Poland, and our enduring
commitment to a safer, freer, and more prosperous world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 11,
2010, 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA