General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2025
The President issued a Proclamation designating October 11, 2025, as General Pulaski Memorial Day, using executive authority to honor Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who fought and died for American independence and whose sacrifice symbolizes the enduring alliance between the U.S. and Poland.
The text details Pulaski's critical military contributions, such as saving General Washington at Brandywine, and encourages all Americans to commemorate those who have advanced the nation's causes.
Arguments For
Designating a memorial day honors the historical contributions of key figures, like Casimir Pulaski, who fought for American independence.
It serves to educate the public on the international support and shared commitment to liberty that underpinned the founding of the United States.
The proclamation reinforces the historical ties and alliance between the United States and Poland, noting their shared history in defense of freedom against tyranny.
Commemorating this day encourages Americans to reflect on the ongoing importance of patriotism, sacrifice, and the defense of democratic ideals as the nation nears its 250th anniversary.
Arguments Against
Opponents might argue that dedicating a day to a foreign national, regardless of historical contribution, diverts attention or resources from contemporary domestic issues.
The proclamation's focus on historical military sacrifice might be seen by some as overly militaristic or as overshadowing other aspects of Polish-American heritage.
Establishing specific memorial days can be viewed as an unnecessary bureaucratic exercise when voluntary observance of history is already encouraged through educational institutions.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
These opening lines formally announce that the following text is an official Presidential Proclamation issued under the authority of the President of the United States.
In 1777, a young nobleman from Poland ventured across the Atlantic to join the fight for American independence. Known as the “Soldier of Liberty” and the “Father of the American Cavalry,” the legendary Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski offered his talents to a Nation in revolution, devoting his life to freedom. Today, we honor his legacy, we salute his courage, and we pledge to advance the great purpose he fought, bled, and died for 246 years ago.
This paragraph introduces Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who came to America in 1777 to fight for independence, highlighting his recognized titles, such as "Soldier of Liberty" and "Father of the American Cavalry." It establishes the purpose of the proclamation: to honor his legacy and his fight for freedom.
General Pulaski's resolve had been hardened long before he set foot on American soil. In his native Poland, he had fought for independence against the Russian Empire, learning firsthand that freedom demands sacrifice. When Benjamin Franklin urged him to aid the American Revolution, Pulaski did not hesitate. Writing to General George Washington, he declared: “I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.”
The text recounts Pulaski's prior commitment to fighting oppression, noting his earlier campaigns for Polish independence against the Russian Empire. It emphasizes that his decision to join the American Revolution was immediate upon Benjamin Franklin's invitation, quoting his dedication to General Washington to serve and potentially die for the cause of freedom.
True to his words, Pulaski began to equip and train the Patriots for battle, oftentimes at his own personal expense. During his first engagement at the Battle of Brandywine, he led a bold cavalry maneuver that saved the life of General Washington and countless soldiers in the Continental Army during one of its darkest hours. Without Pulaski's incredible courage, the dream of American independence might have ended before it truly began.
This section details Pulaski's direct actions in the struggle, mentioning that he sometimes funded the training of Patriot troops himself.
It specifically credits his "bold cavalry maneuver" at the Battle of Brandywine with saving General Washington's life and preventing a potential defeat for the Continental Army.
Pulaski was later elevated to Brigadier General and forged a cavalry corps whose discipline, speed, and bravery played a key role in the fight for American independence. On October 9, 1779, more than 4 years into the Revolutionary War, Pulaski once again rode into the storm, leading his men against the might of the British Empire at the Siege of Savannah. He was struck down in the fire of battle and succumbed to his wounds — dying just as he had promised, in defense of the sacred cause of freedom.
Pulaski achieved the rank of Brigadier General and organized an effective cavalry corps crucial to the war effort.
The text recounts his final engagement during the Siege of Savannah on October 9, 1779, where he was fatally wounded while leading his troops against the British, fulfilling his promise to fight for liberty until death.
His sacrifice is one of the bonds that forever links Poland and the United States. Our two nations have stood together across centuries and continents: on the battlefields of Europe, in the skies of the Second World War, and in the long twilight struggle of the Cold War — always united in freedom, human dignity, the rule of law, sovereign borders, national independence, and the enduring belief that tyranny is no match for the full force of liberty. Today, millions of Polish-Americans continue to carry forward General Pulaski's legacy of patriotism.
The sacrifice of Pulaski is presented as a foundational element connecting Poland and the United States through history.
The relationship between the two nations is described as a centuries-long alignment based on shared values like freedom, the rule of law, and national sovereignty, sentiments carried forward today by Polish-Americans.
As our Nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, we remember General Pulaski and all those who dared to stake their lives on the American promise. Their courage gave life to this Republic, and their sacrifice calls for our undying gratitude. The legacy of these Patriots reminds us still that freedom can never be taken for granted, and it is only earned, defended, and preserved by those bold enough to fight for it.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary of independence, this paragraph frames Pulaski among all patriots whose courage established the Republic.
Their sacrifices serve as a continuing reminder that freedom requires constant defense and preservation by those willing to fight for it.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2025, as General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans to commemorate on this occasion those who have contributed to the furthering of our Nation.
This is the formal declaration section where Donald J. Trump, acting with constitutional authority, officially designates October 11, 2025, as General Pulaski Memorial Day.
The President also encourages all citizens to use this day to remember contributions made to the nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
This concluding section formalizes the proclamation by indicating the date of signing: the tenth day of October in the year 2025, which is also the 250th year of American Independence.
It concludes with the signature of Donald J. Trump.
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