[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 41 (Monday, October 14, 2002)]
[Page 1741]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7607--General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2002

 October 10, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Americans celebrate our friendship and common commitment to freedom 
with the people of Poland each year on October 11, when we honor 
Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a hero of the American Revolutionary 
War. As a brave Polish patriot, General Pulaski made the ultimate 
sacrifice for our Nation, giving his life in 1779 to help America gain 
its independence. His devotion to liberty continues to inspire us today 
as we join with our allies to secure peace and freedom around the globe.
    Before joining the American Revolution in 1777, Casimir Pulaski 
struggled against oppression in his native Poland, fighting alongside 
his father and brothers to defend their homeland from Prussian and 
Imperial Russian invaders. Though his cause was ultimately overcome by 
those powerful forces, Pulaski was widely recognized for his courageous 
actions as a cavalry officer and leader of Polish forces. Benjamin 
Franklin lauded Pulaski as ``famous throughout Europe for his bravery 
and conduct in defense of the liberties of his country.''
    When General Pulaski joined General George Washington's staff, he 
immediately made important contributions to the war effort. He led a 
critical counterattack at the Battle of Brandywine that avoided a 
potential military disaster, earning him a commission as a Brigadier 
General. American leaders valued Pulaski's experience in battle, his 
knowledge of military strategy, and his pioneering efforts that led to a 
recognition that he was the ``Father of the American cavalry.'' While 
leading cavalry forces in the Siege of Savannah, Pulaski was wounded, 
and died on October 11, 1779.
    Two hundred and twenty-five years ago, Casimir Pulaski joined forces 
with Americans to establish liberty and overcome despotism. That 
inspiration and solidarity is mirrored today as we engage in a war 
against terrorism. As part of a global coalition, which includes the 
government and people of Poland, we are working to ensure that our two 
nations remain strong friends and allies in our effort to build a safer, 
more peaceful world for all.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, 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 Friday, October 11, 2002, 
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 tenth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 15, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 16.