President Obama praises General Pulaski

The proclamation recalls that Pulaski “crossed an ocean to take up the cause of defending a young nation. Rising quickly to the rank of Brigadier General in the Continental Army, he reformed our cavalry, saved the life of General George Washington, and helped secure our independence...

“Spending his formative years in Poland laboring for his home country's independence, General Pulaski came to America with both an expertise in combat and a passion for liberty that made him invaluable to our new nation's fight for freedom.

“Leading a legion of men on horseback and working alongside General Washington, General Pulaski achieved victory after victory. But he would never see the results of his valiant efforts fully realized -- he succumbed to battle injuries on October 11, 1779, giving his final full measure of devotion in defense of the ideals we cherish.”

The proclamation further says: “On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we commemorate one of our nation's earliest embodiments of the belief that no matter who you are or where you come from, those who love this country can change it for the better. In honor of General Pulaski's sacrifice and the important role Polish Americans play in our country, let us rededicate ourselves to defending our founding ideal of liberty for all.”

In 2009 President Obama signed a resolution to grant Casimir Pulaski honorary posthumous citizenship of the United States, a prestigious distinction which had been previously bestowed on only six foreign nationals, including Winston Churchill and Mother Theresa. (mk/pk)