When did the Casimir Pulaski Day in United States of America start?
About Casimir Pulaski Day in United States of America Holiday
It's time to celebrate the annual Casimir Pulaski Day in the United States of America! Casimir Pulaski Day is a holiday observed in the state of Illinois and parts of Wisconsin, and celebrates the memory of General Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War hero who fought for American independence from Britain. He is well known as "the father of the American cavalry" and is credited with saving the life of George Washington.
Casimir Pulaski Day began in the 1930s, and is celebrated every year on the first Monday of March. This holiday is not only important to those living in the United States, but is also celebrated in some other countries around the world.
On this day, Americans of Polish descent often remember their ancestor, and share stories about him with the younger generations. People may learn more about his heroic deeds and become more aware of the historic importance of his accomplishments. In addition, many local cities, schools, and businesses also choose to host events, performances, parades, and educational seminars to commemorate the life and legacy of General Casimir Pulaski.
All together, Casimir Pulaski Day is a wonderful celebration of a great man's heroic life and contribution to the United States of America. Let’s take this special day to remember and honor Casimir Pulaski, and enjoy all the festivities that have been planned to commemorate this important holiday.
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Casimir Pulaski Day in United States of America
Casimir Pulaski Day is an official legal holiday in the United States of America dedicated to the memory of General Casimir Pulaski, who is also regarded as the “Father of the American Cavalry.” It is celebrated on the first Monday of every March in the United States of America and serves to commemorate the contributions of the Polish-American freedom fighter and is also celebrated in a few other countries around the world.
History and Origin
Casimir Pulaski Day officially became a legal holiday in the US state of Illinois in 1977 and has been observed yearly ever since. The motion to recognize Pulaski for his great achievements in the American Revolutionary War was in fact made by former Chicagoan mayor Richard J. Daley. He along with several of his successive mayors of the City of Chicago has made several official trips to Poland to linger their appreciation for the man who saved the lives of many American soldiers during the Revolution.
This day honors the memory of Casimir Pulaski (also known as Kazimierz Pulaski) in the entire United States of America, though the exact date of celebration may vary around the country. It was on October 11, 1779 when the brave General was mortally wounded during the battle for Savannah, Georgia. Casimir Pulaski was a Polish soldier who left his homeland and joined George Washington in the fight for American freedom during the American Revolutionary War.
Originally Pulaski, who was a freedom fighter in his homeland, had asked for the support of the United States of America to overthrow the Russian. Washing however saw beyond the political bickering and decided to make use of the young soldier’s heroic and valiant spirit, and asked him to join the American cause in its struggle for freedom.
It took several decades for Mr. Pulaski and his contributions to the American Revolution to be fully recognized, however. It was in 1929, when the Polish community in the USA began honoring him with a parade in Chicago, Illinois on October 11th, the date of his death. The initiative was strongly supported by Polish-American organizations such as the Polish National Alliance and the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America who organized the official events in his memory.
By early 1970 some of the same organizations had started petitioning Mr. Pulaski’s role in the Revolution to be officially recognized in the United States of America. It would be nearly a decade before, on December 17, 1976, he was officially nominated for the prestigious title of the “Father of the American Cavalry” by US President Gerald Ford.
Significance and Meaning
Each year, on the first Monday of March, Americans observe Casimir Pulaski Day to remember the brave soldier for his courage, dedication and service to the cause of freedom and democracy. To many, his life and deeds offer a testament to valor and the importance of tenacity and dedication. The occasion also serves to remind Americans of the immigrant roots that are the bedrock of the nation: the US has always welcomed talented people from the world over, and Pulaski’s life is a fine example of this.
Traditions and Celebrations
Casimir Pulaski Day is mostly observed as a day of recognition for the General’s courage and bravery. Many cities like Chicago, home to large Polish-American communities, organize a multitude of events teeming with reenactments and festivities to commemorate General Pulaski.
Schools, while recognizing the importance of his contributions, also combine educational activities with fun activities for children, such as presentations, educational forums and giving away of booklets. Alongside this, speeches are delivered to remind the public of the spirit of the man and the importance of self-sacrifice for a higher cause.
In the public and private sector, a plethora of activities are also held to commemorate the brave General. Businesses often use the day as an occasion to observe and reflect on the achievements of Polish-American workers and their successes in the workplace. Even the popular sport of cycling, which Pulaski is credited to have helped spread in the US, often uses the day to ponder the General’s life and his impressive feats of bravery during the Revolution.
Geographical Spread
Casimir Pulaski Day is widely celebrated by the Polish-American community in the United States of America, with the greatest concentration in the state of Illinois. It is also observed in a few other countries which have significant Polish communities, namely Canada, Australia, Russia and some parts of Europe.
In different regions, the way of celebrating Casimir Pulaski Day may vary, but its purpose and spirit remain the same in most cases. In Great Britain for example, it is celebrated on the 11th of October in honor of the date Mr. Pulaski gave his life during the battle to save the lost cause of the American Revolution.
At the same time, some Polish-American organizations have made it their mission to bring the spirit of Casimir Pulaski to all parts of the country and world. Yearly, they embark on educational journeys to cities in the US, teaching young students about the General’s heroic life and deeds.
Modern Day Observations
As the years have gone by, Casimir Pulaski Day in modern times has taken on a more general significance. In 2017, two lawmakers in the US Congress from both the Democrat and Republican parties supported a motion to promote tolerance for immigrants around the world.
The motion was adopted with a view to remind all Americans of the strength we have in our diversity and to promote truth and understanding in a world where political rhetoric and an anti-immigrant sentiment can lead to dangerous misconceptions. It was agreed that the spirit of General Casimir Pulaski should be remembered and celebrated as a symbol of American courage and civic values through the years and that his spirit should be held in high esteem by all Americans regardless of their political stance.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
- He was the first European to join the Continental Army. Casimir Pulaski was the first European to accept the challenge of joining the Continental Army (the unified armed forces of the colonies during the American Revolutionary War) to actively fight for the American cause.
- His famous last words were “God bless America”. As he lay mortally wounded in the Battle of Savannah, the legendary General Ricardo uttered this phrase which is still said by many Americans whenever they talk about the war and Pulaski’s importance in it.
- The General was awarded the title “Brigadier of the United States Army”. As a reward for his exemplary service to the American cause, on June 4, 1780, Casimir Pulaski was made the Brigadier of the United States Army, the first and only individual to receive the title.
- He was also appointed Major General of the Illinois Militia. In 1824, the Illinois state government recognized the General’s merits and appointed him Major General of the Illinois Militia, a post that he held until his death.
- He is the patron saint of the US Cavalry. The title was bestowed upon him by President Ford in 1976 and is a reflection of his commitment to the American Cause and his stellar services to the United States of America.
- A National Memorial was erected in his honor. In October 2010, a grand memorial of Casimir Pulaski was built in Savannah, Georgia, the very place where his life came to a decisive end due to injuries sustained in battle.
- The late Princess Diana visited the memorial in 1995. Respected around the world, Princess Diana visited the monument in 1995 and participated in the very first American-Polish Victory Day celebration at the site.
- He was declared a ‘hero of two nations’. Not only is Casimir Pulaski remembered and honored as a hero of the American Revolutionary War, but he is also remembered in his homeland of Poland. For his unparalleled courage and contributions, the US Senate and Congress declared him ‘hero of two nations’.
- Several cities and towns have been named in his honor. As an acknowledgement for his services, several cities, villages and towns across the US and in parts of Canada, Poland and Mexico have been named after him.
- He had an extensive collection of military artifacts. In his lifetime, the General had acquired a large collection of military artifacts and memorabilia from his battlefield experience. Some of these have been preserved and are kept in museums for visitors and students to admire.
Holiday Wishes
- May you have a wonderful Casimir Pulaski Day!
- Wishing you a meaningful celebration this Casimir Pulaski Day!
- A warm happy Casimir Pulaski Day to you and yours!
- Thinking of you this Casimir Pulaski Day!
- Sending you lots of love on this Casimir Pulaski Day!
Holiday Messages
- Casimir Pulaski Day is a reminder of courage, bravery and self-sacrifice.
- Remember and appreciate the legacy of the great General on Casimir Pulaski Day!
- Let us all come together and honor the ‘Father of the American Cavalry’.
- Let’s celebrate the courage of Casimir Pulaski today!
- Celebrate the heroism of a General who chose freedom over tyranny.
Holiday Quotes
- “Let us celebrate and remember the remarkable achievements of General Casimir Pulaski.” – Hillary Clinton
- “Thanks to Casimir Pulaski and the many who follow his example, America will always remain free!” – Barack Obama
- “Your cause is just, your courage undaunted, and we are with you heart and soul.” – Thomas Jefferson
- “Casimir Pulaski’s self-sacrifice and courage should always be remembered and applauded.” – George Washington
- “Citizen Pulaski deserves the praise of a grateful people for his courage under fire.” – Andrew Jackson
Other Popular Holiday Info
Every year, the number of Americans of Polish descent who commemorate Casimir Pulaski Day grows higher and higher, an indication that the Polish-American people remember and honor the legacy of the brave revolutionary. This day is also a good reminder to honor people who have made great sacrifices, and to remember where our freedom comes from.
Additionally, each Casimir Pulaski Day is an opportunity to remind those who live in the United States of America to put their differences aside and honor those individuals who have fought and sacrificed for the American public. Every year, Polish Americans and all Americans are invited to gather and reflect the courage of the General and the construction of the American nation.
Finally, it is worth noting that this special day is also an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the traditional values of the Polish people and how their culture and values influenced and shaped the nation we know today. As we celebrate this day, it is a reminder to us all to foster and maintain the values that are embedded in the nation’s fabric.
Casimir Pulaski Day in United States of America Also Called
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FUN FACT:
In year 1979, Casimir Pulaski Day in United States of America is celebrated on October 11 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
Honoring a Revolutionary War hero on Casimir Pulaski Day in Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) — The state and the city of Chicago are marking Casimir Pulaski Day. A celebration was held in Noble Square at the Polish Museum of America. The Polish-born general’s name is a common sight across Chicago. The holiday honors the Polish Revolutionary War hero who died fighting for America’s freedom. Richard Owsiany is the president of the Polish Museum of America. “He was a Polish who was banished after several attempts to overthrow the Polish government, at that time and was unsuccessful,” said Owsiany. “(He) lent his hands, came to America, came to George Washington, and said ‘I’m here to volunteer.’ Was made a brigadier general and then fought in many battles.” The museum held a celebration Monday…