Embassy Events 2007
7 March 2007
Joint Resolution
Introduced in U.S. Congress to Grant Honorary Posthumous Citizenship to Casimir
Pulaski
 |
| General Casimir
Pulaski |
U.S. Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois and U.S. Representatives Rahm Emanuel of Illinois and Dennis Kucinich of Ohio introduced a joint resolution in the U.S. Congress on March 5 to grant honorary posthumous citizenship to General Casimir Pulaski, a hero of the American Revolution. General Casimir Pulaski was a Polish-born hero of the American Revolutionary War and time-honored “Father of the American Cavalry.” “General Casimir Pulaski was a brave hero who gave his life for our American independence. He is a great symbol of the Polish-American friendship,” said Representative Emanuel. “And his spirit is a symbol of Poland’s long history of political, cultural and economic ties with the United States.”
General Pulaski, a native of Poland, fought on the side of the colonists against the British in the American Revolution. Pulaski was bestowed the rank of brigadier general by George Washington for his courage and bravery. Pulaski valiantly fought in defense of freedom at Brandywine and Charleston, SC, among other battles. He died during a battle in Savannah, Georgia, in October of 1779.
Pulaski has been honored throughout U.S. history. In September, 1929, Congress designated October 11 as Pulaski Day to be observed by Presidential Proclamation; it also authorized the Post Office to issue a Pulaski commemorative stamp. In 1973, Illinois designated the first Monday of March as Pulaski Commemorative day in Illinois and in 1986 declared the day to be a state holiday.
This joint resolution would need to pass both houses of Congress, as well as be signed by the President, to grant Pulaski posthumous honorary citizenship. Only six people have ever been declared honorary citizens of the United States.
