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[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 199 (Friday, October 16, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 53149-53150]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-25083]



                        Presidential Documents 



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

[[Page 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.

[[Page 53150]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-25083
Filed 10-15-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P
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