[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9521 of October 7, 2016

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Over two centuries ago, Polish immigrant Casimir Pulaski crossed an
ocean to take up the cause of defending a young nation. Rising quickly
to the rank of Brigadier General in the Continental Army, he reformed
our cavalry, saved the life of General George Washington, and helped
secure our independence. Today, we celebrate the legacy of liberty he
forged and reflect on the many ways Polish-American voices continue to
shape the unending story of our Nation.
Spending his formative years in Poland laboring for his home country's
independence, General Pulaski came to America with both an expertise in
combat and a passion for liberty that made him invaluable to our new
Nation's fight for freedom. Leading a legion of men on horseback and
working alongside General Washington, General Pulaski achieved victory
after victory. But he would never see the results of his valiant efforts
fully realized--he succumbed to battle injuries on October 11, 1779,
giving his final full measure of devotion in defense of the ideals we
cherish.
More than 200 years later, Polish Americans across our country honor the
spirit of General Pulaski through their many contributions to our Nation
and through living the values that unite us all. The proud members of
the Polish-American community strengthen the rich heritage of our
country--many serve in our Armed Forces, protecting the very freedoms
General Pulaski helped secure centuries before--and they reflect the
strong friendship that endures today between the United States and
Poland.
On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we commemorate one of our Nation's
earliest embodiments of the belief that no matter who you are or where
you come from, those who love this country can change it for the better.
In honor of General Pulaski's sacrifice and the important role Polish
Americans play in our country, let us rededicate ourselves to defending
our founding ideal of liberty for all.
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

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11, 2016, 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 seventh day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA