[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 41 (Monday, October 17, 2005)]
[Pages 1522-1523]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7945--General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2005

 October 7, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America's freedom has been achieved with great sacrifice. In the 
Revolutionary War, General Casimir Pulaski gave his life for the cause 
of freedom. Today, we honor his selfless contributions and heroic 
service.
    Born in Poland, Casimir Pulaski fought Russian oppression in his 
homeland. In 1776, Benjamin Franklin met Pulaski in France and 
successfully recruited him to join the American fight for liberty. In 
America, Pulaski distinguished himself at the Battle of Brandywine and 
was commissioned as a Brigadier General by General George Washington. 
After raising his own legion, a special infantry and cavalry division 
that included many foreign-born troops, he helped defend Charleston, 
South Carolina, before being mortally wounded at the siege of Savannah 
in 1779.

[[Page 1523]]

    General Pulaski exemplifies the spirit and determination of Polish 
immigrants to America, and he embodies our Nation's highest ideals. On 
this day, we express our gratitude for all the contributions of Polish 
Americans to our Nation and for the strong relationship between the 
United States and Poland. By honoring this lasting friendship and 
remembering heroes like General Pulaski, we reaffirm our commitment to 
advancing our country's founding ideals and carry forward our heritage 
of freedom.
     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, 2005, as 
General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage Americans to commemorate this 
occasion with appropriate programs and activities honoring Casimir 
Pulaski and all those who defend freedom.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:19 a.m., October 12, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
13. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.