The first Monday in March is a historic holiday in Chicago and around Illinois, honoring Polish-born Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski. Officially declared “Casimir Pulaski Day”, the holiday recognizes the man known as the “Father of the American Calvary.”
“In 1973, in this very room Governor Dan Walker signed an executive order proclaiming Pulaski Day in Illinois,” said Richard Owsiany, president of the Polish Museum of America, in a statement to Military.com. “Thirteen years later in 1986, Governor James Thompson signed legislation designating the first Monday in March a state holiday honoring Casimir Pulaski.”
The Revolutionary War general is revered among Polish Americans for dying on the battlefield while fighting for America’s freedoms. Born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1740, Pulaski led an unsuccessful rebellion against Russian influence and the pro-Russian elected King of Poland.
He fled to Prussia in 1777, and met Benjamin Franklin, who became one of the founding fathers of the United States. Pulaski was recruited to come to America to fight in the Revolutionary War and is credited with saving General George Washington’s life, which earned him a promotion to brigadier general. Pulaski died during the Siege of Savannah in 1779.
“Since Pulaski’s gallant and heroic exploits and his tragic death, his deeds have not been lost to history,” said Owsiany. “There is hardly a state in the union that does not have a county, town, street or highway, park, school or monument named in grateful memory and recognition of General Casimir Pulaski.”
Monday’s observances included a traditional Polish feast, and a standing room only ceremony at Chicago’s Polish Museum of America, which has been observing Pulaski Day since the 1980’s. In Chicago, local government offices and courts, public libraries and some businesses are closed, but federal offices, banks and schools are open.
“As our nation marks the 250th anniversary of its independence this year, this is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the legacy of General Casimir Pulaski, the Father of the American Calvary,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in prepared remarks obtained by Military.com. “He was a son of Poland, who gave his life fighting for the independence of another nation, because that’s how strongly he believed in freedom and liberation.”
Mayor Johnson was one of more than a dozen dignitaries on hand for the museum’s celebration. A news release from the museum expressed gratitude to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas for organizing a special fundraising initiative benefiting the museum, with $1,000 contributions secured from Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza; Illinois State Treasurer Hon. Michael Frerichs; Illinois State Senator Robert Martwick; U.S. Representative for Illinois 5th Congressional District Mike Quigley; civic leader Joe Holberg; community advocate Ja’Mal Green; Cook County Circuit Court Judge Diann K. Marsalek; Cook County Assessor Hon. Fritz Kaegi; and Lake County Treasurer and Hon. Holly Kim, raising a total of $10,000 in support.
Museum president Owsiany says the contributions, both large and small, along with the annual Pulaski Day observance, carry on the tradition of General Pulaski’s commitment to serve.
“May the magnificent spirit of Gen. Casmir Pulaski continue to inspire all Americans with a sense of duty to country, pride, a spirit of mission, and the never ending struggle for human dignity and freedom,” said Owsiany. “We Americans can honor this soldier of Liberty, this undaunted warrior who sacrificed his life for the cause of American Independence.”
Pulaski is quoted in a letter to General George Washington expressing his desire to help fight for American freedom.
“I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it,” Pulaski is quoted as saying, according to a Joint Resolution by Congress.
In 2009, the U.S. Congress posthumously granted Pulaski honorary American citizenship, making him one of only eight people in history to receive that honor.
