Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 199 / Friday, October 16, 2009 / Presidential Documents 53149 

Proclamation 8438 of October 9, 2009 

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2009 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Each year on this day, Americans pause to remember a patriot and champion 

of liberty who fought valiantly for the freedom of our Nation. During our 

struggle for independence, General Casimir Pulaski displayed heroic leadership and ultimately sacrificed his life in service to our country. His commitment to liberty remains an inspiration to us today, 230 years later, and 

it serves as a reflection of the many contributions Polish Americans have 

made to our national identity. 

Born in Poland in 1745, Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski witnessed the 

occupation of Poland by foreign troops during his youth. He joined the 

struggle for Polish independence in 1768, fighting alongside his father with 

unwavering determination. Despite the tremendous courage of Pulaski and 

his compatriots, the foreign forces prevailed and Poland was divided among 

three of its neighbors. The young Casimir Pulaski was exiled, and, while 

in Paris, met America’s envoy to France, Benjamin Franklin, and learned 

of our nascent quest for independence. 

Arriving in America during the summer of 1777, General Pulaski quickly 

earned a commission and led his troops with admirable skill in a number 

of important campaigns. He would eventually become known as the ‘‘Father 

of the American Cavalry.’’ In 1779, Pulaski was mortally wounded during 

the siege of Savannah while trying to rally his troops under heavy enemy 

fire. Before laying down his life for the United States, this Polish and 

American hero had earned a reputation for his idealism and his courageous 

spirit. 

Pulaski’s ideals live on today in the many Polish-American communities 

across the country. These neighborhoods continue to celebrate Polish culture, 

while adding immeasurably to our national identity. Their contributions 

have expanded our collective knowledge, pushing the boundaries of science, 

business, and the arts. With each passing year, the cooperation between 

the United States and Poland grows, supported by the dedication and commitment of Polish Americans to our shared history. Today, as we remember 

General Pulaski, we celebrate our strong friendship with Poland, and honor 

those Americans of Polish heritage. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, October 

11, 2009, 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. 


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53150 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 199 / Friday, October 16, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 

October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence 

of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. 

[FR Doc. E9–25083 

Filed 10–15–09; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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