[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 42 (Monday, October 18, 2004)]
[Pages 2351-2352]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7830--General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2004

 October 11, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The story of Revolutionary War hero Brigadier General Casimir 
Pulaski is one of bravery and sacrifice that helped to secure America's 
blessings of liberty. We remember General Pulaski for his skill in 
battle, his commitment to freedom, and his willingness to give his life 
for America's independence.
    Born in Poland in 1745, Casimir Pulaski first gained distinction as 
a military hero while fighting to defend his native Poland. His 
reputation as a bold warrior and his dedication to the cause of liberty 
became known throughout Europe.
    Pulaski met with Benjamin Franklin in Paris in 1777 and agreed to 
join the Americans in their fight for freedom. He quickly proved to be a 
gifted military leader and was commissioned as a Brigadier General. He 
became known as ``the Father of the American Cavalry,'' recruiting and 
training a special corps of American, Polish, Irish, French, and

[[Page 2352]]

German troops who fought with great skill and success. During the siege 
of Savannah in 1779, General Pulaski was mortally wounded, leaving a 
legacy of heroism that continues to inspire people around the world.
    On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we honor a noble patriot committed 
to the cause of freedom, and we recognize the countless contributions 
Polish Americans have made to our Nation and our culture. We also 
celebrate the strong friendship between the United States and Poland, 
remembering our shared history and common values and honoring the 
sacrifices of Polish troops who have served bravely alongside American 
and coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
    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 October 11, 2004, 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 freedom.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:54 a.m., October 13, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
14.