Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 123.djvu/3741

 123STA T . 3 7 21 PROCL A M AT I O N84 38 — OCT. 9, 2 0 09 pend en c e ofth e U n i ted S t a te s of Am e r ica the t w oh u ndred and thirt y- fourth .B A R A CKO BA M A Proclam a ti o n843 8o fO cto be r 9,20 09 Gen e ralPu la skiM e mo rial D a y,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation E ach year on this day , Americans pause to remem b er a patriot and champion of l iberty who fou g ht v aliantly for the freedom of our N a- tion. D uring our struggle for independence, G eneral Casimir P ulas k i displayed heroic leadership and ultimately sacrificed his life in service to our country. H is commitment to liberty remains an inspiration to us today, 230 years later, and it serves as a reflection of the many con- tributions 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 j oined the struggle for Polish independence in 17 68, fighting alongside his fa- ther 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. T he young Casimir Pulaski was e x iled, and, while in Paris, met America ’ s envoy to F rance, Ben- jamin Franklin, and learned of our nascent q uest 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.’’ I n 177 9, 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 commu- nities 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. W ith 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 cele- brate 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 Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sun- day, October 11, 2009, as General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans to commemorate this occasion with appropriate pro- grams and activities paying tribute to Casimir Pulaski and honoring all those who defend the freedom of our great Nation.