[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8887--OCT. 11, 2012

Proclamation 8887 of October 11, 2012

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, a Polish-born patriot gave his
life to advance the cause of American independence. As a leader in the
Continental Army who fought shoulder-to-shoulder with men from Europe
and America alike, Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski battled to extend
the principles that were as dear to him as they are to us--liberty,
equality, and justice for all. Today, we reflect on the proud legacy he
left behind, and we celebrate the lasting ways Polish Americans have
enriched our Nation.
In his native Poland, Casimir Pulaski strove to secure sovereignty for
his country. Years of struggle came to an end when his confederation was
overpowered, leaving him an exile to France. In Paris, General Pu-

[[Page 2676]]

laski met Benjamin Franklin, who directed him toward another fight for freedom
taking place across the Atlantic.
When Franklin wrote to General George Washington to recommend Casimir
Pulaski as a volunteer in the American cavalry, he noted that Pulaski
``was renowned throughout Europe for the courage and bravery he
displayed in defense of his country's freedom.'' Though the soil he
fought for was not his own, the founding ideals of our young Republic
were ones General Pulaski shared with all who saw freedom's promise. For
his heroic actions on battlefields that spanned from Brandywine to
Charleston, Casimir Pulaski was promoted to the rank of Brigadier
General and became known as the ``Father of the American Cavalry.''
Tragically, he did not live to see the success of the revolution he gave
so much to advance. Today, we see the future he helped create: a free
and independent United States standing proudly with its strong ally, a
free and independent Poland.
On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we honor a hero who helped secure our
country's fate when it was most fragile. As we recall his tremendous
contributions, let us also pay tribute to the countless Polish Americans
who followed his bold example. Generations have contributed mightily to
building the country we know and love today, and they will continue to
play an important role in carrying us toward a more perfect Union in the
years to come.
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, 2012, 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 twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA