[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 40 (Monday, October 11, 1999)]
[Pages 1937-1938]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7234--General Pulaski Memorial Day, 1999

October 6, 1999

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    In the more than two centuries that have passed since the signing of 
our Declaration of Independence, America has grown from a struggling 
democracy into the most powerful Nation on earth. But today, even as we 
enter the new century as a proud, prosperous, and free people, we must 
never forget those friends who cast their lot with us when the outcome 
of our bid for independence was unclear. Among those to whom we owe such 
a debt of gratitude is General Casimir Pulaski of Poland, who gave his 
life for our freedom on a Revolutionary War battlefield 220 years ago 
this month.
    Casimir Pulaski had scarcely reached adulthood when he joined his 
father and brothers in the struggle for sovereignty for their native 
Poland. Though the Polish forces were skilled in battle, neighboring 
empires outnumbered and defeated them, and Pulaski himself was forced 
into exile. But soon the young soldier answered another call for 
freedom--this time on behalf of the fledgling United States of America. 
He distinguished himself in his first military engagement in our War for 
Independence, and the Continental Congress immediately commissioned him 
as a brigadier general and assigned him to command the cavalry of the 
Continental Army. Fighting with characteristic valor and

[[Page 1938]]

distinction, General Pulaski was killed during the Battle of Savannah 
and earned an enduring place in our Nation's history.
    As we honor Casimir Pulaski this year, we give thanks that for the 
first time, Poles and Americans can proudly observe the anniversary of 
General Pulaski's death as NATO allies. In the years to come, both our 
peoples will continue to draw strength from the memory of Casimir 
Pulaski and from the courage and sacrifice of so many Poles and Polish 
Americans who have helped ensure the freedom, peace, and prosperity our 
two countries enjoy today.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, 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 Monday, 
October 11, 1999, as General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all 
Americans to commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs and 
activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-fourth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 12, 
1999]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 13.