[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8736 of October 11, 2011

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Today, America pays tribute to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a
proud Polish patriot who embraced our country's highest ideals. He
fought for freedom on two continents, earned the title, ``Father of the
American Cavalry,'' and guided his unit through some of the toughest
tests of the Revolutionary War, ultimately laying down his life for our
nascent country. On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we honor his memory
and celebrate the many contributions Polish Americans have made to
America's culture and history.
As a young soldier, General Pulaski rose to defend his homeland against
foreign occupation. He fought valiantly for Poland's sovereignty but was
eventually forced into exile, and it was in Paris that he met Benjamin
Franklin. Franklin told him of America's aspirations, and Pulaski
journeyed across the Atlantic to join our struggle for freedom,
equality, and justice. Arriving in America in 1777, he served beside
General George Washington, who appreciated his military experience. He
later formed an independent corps of cavalry known as the Pulaski
Legion, which battled bravely from the New Jersey coast to the siege of
Savannah, where he was mortally wounded.
Pulaski's unit was a diverse collection of soldiers, composed of
Americans, Germans, Frenchmen, Irishmen, and Poles. Their differences
were many, but they were united by a basic longing for human liberty.
This same longing--which moved Pulaski to make the ultimate sacrifice--
has come to define America and reflect our lasting ties to the people of
Poland. Today, as we commemorate Casimir Pulaski's extraordinary life,
we recognize that his spirit lives on in all those who are driven to
pursue a freer, more just 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 October 11, 2011, 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 eleventh day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA