"Casimir Pulaski Day" is a local holiday officially observed in areas of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York (primarily in communities that have large Polish populations), on the first Monday of March in memory of Casimir Pulaski (1745-1779), a Revolutionary War cavalry officer born in Poland as Kazimierz Pułaski. He is praised for his contributions to the U.S. military in the American Revolution and is known as "The Father of the American Cavalry." Separately, the date of his death has also been commemorated annually since 1929 by congressional resolution as "General Pulaski Memorial Day."
Casimir Pułaski arrived in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. Though lauded as a hero for his role in the fight for Poland’s independence against Russian encroachment (1768–72), Pulaski was unable to help Poland prevail when Austria and Prussia invaded in 1772. He fled to Saxony, and then to France, where he lived in poor financial straits until a meeting in Paris with Benjamin Franklin, in December 1776, forever changed his life. Pulaski told Franklin he wanted to help America fight for its independence from Britain. Franklin was so impressed with Pulaski that he sent a letter of recommendation to General George Washington who agreed to take him into his ranks.
Almost immediately after his 1777 arrival in Massachusetts, Pulaski proved his mettle by saving Washington’s life – and the Continental Army from horrible defeat – in the Battle of Brandywine. In September 1777, immediately following that victory, the Continental Congress promoted Pulaski to Brigadier General in command of the cavalry. In May 1778, he formed a special cavalry unit which used the guerrilla warfare tactics he taught his soldiers in battles along the New Jersey coast. “The Pulaski Legion” also guarded the northern border of Pennsylvania before heading south through this state to successfully defend Charleston, South Carolina in May 1779. Pulaski was wounded by grapeshot on October 9, 1779 during the Siege of Savannah – a battle which failed to wrest control of the city from the British. He died from his wounds on October 15 while on board a ship en route to Charleston to escape the British. He was 34 years old.
On November 6, 2009, President Obama signed a joint resolution of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives making Pulaski an honorary American citizen, 230 years after his death. He is one of eight people to be granted honorary United States citizenship. On October 12, 2018, President Trump issued a proclamation paying tribute to General Casimir Pulaski, as "the Polish immigrant and renowned military commander who gave his life for the cause of freedom during the American Revolutionary War." President Biden issued a similar proclamations in 2021 and 2022, commemorating General Pulaski’s heroism and service.
As a Veteran, genealogist, and military history enthusiast, I recognize and appreciate the contributions of General Casimir Pułaski who was a key figure in our nation's fight for American independence. He stands alongside other more recognized European military leaders such as Prussian Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben and French General and Nobleman Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette as important in our freedom from British rule during the Revolutionary War.
As a geocacher, I invite you to help celebrate his life and accomplishments over a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee and the camaraderie of fellow geocachers.
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