image: Casimir Pulaski Memorial in Savannah, Georgia ©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
By Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Kazimierz Michał Władysław Wiktor Pułaski anglicized Casimir Pulaski, known as a hero of “two nations,” is linked to important events in the late 18th century that shaped the future of both Poland and the United States. These events included the Bar Confederation (1768-1772), often seen as the first Polish uprising, and the American Revolution (1775-1783), also called the War of Independence. In both cases, Pulaski’s main goal was to fight for freedom. In Poland, he fought to protect the nation from Russian control, while in America, he helped the new nation gain independence from British rule. He was the father of the American cavalry.
Casimir Pulaski, was a Polish nobleman, soldier, and military leader. Born in Warsaw on March 4 or 6, 1745, he became interested in politics and the military at a young age, following his father’s example. Pulaski played a key role in the Bar Confederation, fighting against Russian control of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. After the uprising failed, he went into exile.
image: Casimir Pulaski Memorial in Savannah, Georgia ©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Casimir Pulaski fighting for the freedom of the United States
With a recommendation from Benjamin Franklin, Pulaski came to North America to support the American Revolutionary War. Pulaski arrived in Boston in July 1777 and served alongside George Washington, who valued Pulaski’s military expertise. On September 15, 1777, Congress promoted him to Brigadier General in charge of the Continental Army. In May 1778, Pulaski began forming an independent cavalry unit known as the Pulaski Legion, made up of Americans, Germans, Frenchmen, Irishmen and Poles and gaining the name of the father of the American cavalry.
He fought in battles like Germantown, Pennsylvania, Haddonfield, Egg Harbor in New Jersey, as well as Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. During the Battle of Brandywine, he made a brave charge that saved the cavalry and the future American president George Washington. He led the Cavalry Legion until October 9, 1779, when he was seriously wounded while attacking British forces in Savannah. It is believed that he was taken aboard the American ship, Wasp, where he died and was buried at sea near the mouth of the Savannah River on October 11, 1779, at the age of 31.
image: Casimir Pulaski Memorial in Savannah, Georgia ©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
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In the United States, many streets, bridges, counties, and towns are named after Casimir Pulaski to honor his help in the American Revolution. In Savannah, Georgia, there is a large monument to remember his sacrifice during the battle for the city and there is a Brigadier General Count Casimir Pulaski Memorial in Washington. Fort Pulaski National Monument, named in honor of Kazimierz Pulaski, commemorates his legacy from the American Civil War. The Pulaski Skyway in New Jersey and the Pulaski Bridge in New York City are also named after him. Every October 11 is recognized as “General Pulaski Memorial Day” by presidential proclamation, honoring Pulaski and Polish-American heritage. The Pulaski Day Parade is held annually since 1937 on Fifth Avenue in New York City to commemorate Casimir Pulaski. A U.S. Navy submarine, USS Casimir Pulaski, was named in his honor as well.
In Illinois, Casimir Pulaski Day has been celebrated on the first Monday of March since 1977, with Pulaski Road in Chicago named after him. The first official celebration of this day took place in 1978. Kentucky has recognized General Pulaski’s Day by law since before 1942. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, “Pulaski Days” are held during the first weekend of October, featuring a flag-raising ceremony at the General Pulaski monument. A bridge on Interstate 65 in Indiana is also named after him. Additionally, counties in several states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia, bear his name. There are also various organizations and associations named after Casimir Pulaski including New York Police Department Pulaski Association.
image: Casimir Pulaski Memorial in Savannah, Georgia ©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
https://www.senat.gov.pl/gfx/senat/pl/senatopracowania/72/plik/ot-574.pdf
https://www.nps.gov/people/casimir-pulaski.htm
https://www.nps.gov/places/000/brigadier-general-count-casimir-pulaski-memorial.htm
https://nypdpulaski.org/casimir-pulaski/
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is an award-winning international journalist, TV correspondent, author, chief editor of international journalism centre, Central and Eastern Europe Centre, president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression and a sworn translator. She was born in Warsaw, Poland, holds an MA title in American culture and has graduated from post MA journalism studies. She has Armenian blood and roots in Lvov, which is part of Ukraine. She has been living in Heerlen, the Netherlands since 2005.
