[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7607]

Proc. 7607

Proclamation 7607 of October 10, 2002

General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          Americans celebrate our friendship and common commitment to 
          freedom with the people of Poland each year on October 11, 
          when we honor Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a hero of the 
          American Revolutionary War. As a brave Polish patriot, General 
          Pulaski made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation, giving his 
          life in 1779 to help America gain its independence. His 
          devotion to liberty continues to inspire us today as we join 
          with our allies to secure peace and freedom around the globe.
          Before joining the American Revolution in 1777, Casimir 
          Pulaski struggled against oppression in his native Poland, 
          fighting alongside his father and brothers to defend their 
          homeland from Prussian and Imperial Russian invaders. Though 
          his cause was ultimately overcome by those powerful forces, 
          Pulaski was widely recognized for his courageous actions as a 
          cavalry officer and leader of Polish forces. Benjamin Franklin 
          lauded Pulaski as ``famous throughout Europe for his bravery 
          and conduct in defense of the liberties of his country.''

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          When General Pulaski joined General George Washington's staff, 
          he immediately made important contributions to the war effort. 
          He led a critical counterattack at the Battle of Brandywine 
          that avoided a potential military disaster, earning him a 
          commission as a Brigadier General. American leaders valued 
          Pulaski's experience in battle, his knowledge of military 
          strategy, and his pioneering efforts that led to a recognition 
          that he was the ``Father of the American cavalry.'' While 
          leading cavalry forces in the Siege of Savannah, Pulaski was 
          wounded, and died on October 11, 1779.
          Two hundred and twenty-five years ago, Casimir Pulaski joined 
          forces with Americans to establish liberty and overcome 
          despotism. That inspiration and solidarity is mirrored today 
          as we engage in a war against terrorism. As part of a global 
          coalition, which includes the government and people of Poland, 
          we are working to ensure that our two nations remain strong 
          friends and allies in our effort to build a safer, more 
          peaceful world for all.
          NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United 
          States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by 
          the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby 
          proclaim Friday, October 11, 2002, 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.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day 
          of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of 
          the Independence of the United States of America the two 
          hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH