[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 40 (Monday, October 13, 2008)]
[Pages 1328-1329]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
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Proclamation--General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2008
October 10, 2008
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we celebrate General Casimir
Pulaski's selfless dedication to the cause of freedom during the
American Revolution.
In our Nation's struggle for independence, brave individuals such as
Casimir Pulaski came to our shores and risked their lives to help bring
liberty to a new continent. General Pulaski fought first against Russian
domination of his Polish homeland and later joined General George
Washington's Continental Army. Pulaski's valor in battle and love of
freedom earned him the rank of Brigadier General and authority to
organize an independent corps of cavalry. Through his skilled leadership
and cavalry tactics he became known as the ``Father of the American
Cavalry.'' During the siege of Savannah, General
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Pulaski was mortally wounded, making the ultimate sacrifice for our
country and the cause of freedom.
General Pulaski's life exemplifies the courage and determination of
the many Polish immigrants who have helped make the United States the
greatest Nation on Earth. On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we recognize
our time-honored friendship with Poland, and we are reminded of the
great price our forefathers paid so that we might live in liberty.
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, 2008, as
General Pulaski Memorial Day. I urge Americans to commemorate this
occasion with appropriate activities and ceremonies honoring General
Casimir Pulaski and all those who defend our freedom.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
George W. Bush
Note: At the time of publication, this proclamation had not been
received by the Office of the Federal Register for assignment of a
proclamation number.