[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7945--OCT. 7, 2005

[[Page 3817]]
119 STAT. 3817

Proclamation 7945 of October 7, 2005
General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's freedom has been achieved with great sacrifice. In the
Revolutionary War, General Casimir Pulaski gave his life for the cause
of freedom. Today, we honor his selfless contributions and heroic
service.
Born in Poland, Casimir Pulaski fought Russian oppression in his
homeland. In 1776, Benjamin Franklin met Pulaski in France and
successfully recruited him to join the American fight for liberty. In
America, Pulaski distinguished himself at the Battle of Brandywine and
was commissioned as a Brigadier General by General George Washington.
After raising his own legion, a special infantry and cavalry division
that included many foreign-born troops, he helped defend Charleston,
South Carolina, before being mortally wounded at the siege of Savannah
in 1779.
General Pulaski exemplifies the spirit and determination of Polish
immigrants to America, and he embodies our Nation's highest ideals. On
this day, we express our gratitude for all the contributions of Polish
Americans to our Nation and for the strong relationship between the
United States and Poland. By honoring this lasting friendship and
remembering heroes like General Pulaski, we reaffirm our commitment to
advancing our country's founding ideals and carry forward our heritage
of freedom.
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 October 11, 2005, as
General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage Americans to commemorate this
occasion with appropriate programs and activities honoring Casimir
Pulaski and all those who defend freedom.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH