Casimir Pulaski

Kazimierz Pułaski (in the USA referred to as Casimir Pulaski) (March 6, 1745 - October 11/15, 1779) born near Warsaw (Winiary-Warka area), Poland was a Polish soldier and military commander who fought against the Russian tsarist Empire in Poland. In 1768-1772 he took part in a confederation against the Russians called the Confederation of Bar (Konfederacja barska).

In years 1777-1779 he fought for independence of the United States under the command of George Washington. Pulaski was a noted cavalryman and played a large role in training Revolutionary troops. He took part in the siege of Savannah, Georgia and during a charge of cavalry he was wounded in the thigh, and was taken aboard the brig Wasp. Two days later on October 11 he died of wounds without regaining consciousness, and was buried at sea.

Chicago, Illinois has celebrated Casimir Pulaski Day on the first Monday of March since 1977, no doubt due to the large Polish population of the city; Chicago also has Pulaski Avenue, named after him. The first official celebration of Pulaski Day was in 1978.

The Pulaski Skyway in northern New Jersey and the Pulaski Bridge in New York City are dedicated to him. By Presidential Proclamation, every October 11 is "General Pulaski Memorial Day", dedicated to Pulaski's memory and the heritage of Polish-Americans.