Today, we honor the heroic life and legacy of Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski—a son of Poland turned American warrior, a father of Independence, and a martyr of Liberty, whose courage breathed life into the Continental Army, advancing the sacred cause of freedom during the Revolutionary War. Born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1745, Casimir Pulaski proved himself to be a battle-hardened patriot from an early age, courageously fighting to defend the freedom of his countrymen against Russian aggression.
Recognizing his extraordinary military skill, fearless spirit, and profound devotion to liberty, Benjamin Franklin recruited him to cross the Atlantic Ocean and join the Continental Army’s righteous fight for Independence. Without hesitation, Pulaski arrived on our shores in the summer of 1777 and, within weeks, displayed his bravery and tactical expertise at the Battle of Brandywine against the might of the British Empire.
When American lines collapsed under a devastating British flanking attack, threatening the fate of our young Republic, Pulaski rose to the call of history and gathered a small band of horsemen to lead a defiant charge against the British, allowing George Washington and his men to escape death and retreat to safety. In the year following, Pulaski transformed a ragtag cavalry into a unified, disciplined fighting force capable of defeating the mightiest army in the world, earning him the title “Father of the American Cavalry.
” In October 1779, he gave his life for the cause of liberty while leading a cavalry charge during the Siege of Savannah—etching his name forever into the heart of America. Pulaski’s legacy of sacrifice, courage, and strength is a testament to the unyielding fortitude of the Polish people. From overcoming the brutal despotism of Nazi Germany to defeating the devastating tyranny of communism, they have shown the world the unstoppable power of freedom and the…