Today, Congressman Quigley announced he will insert the following remarks into the Congressional Record in honor of Casimir Pulaski Day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Casimir Pulaski Day, celebrated in the great state of Illinois on the first Monday of March.  On this day we remember and honor the courage, spirit of freedom, and dedication to liberty exemplified by Casimir Pulaski during the Revolutionary War.

Casimir Pulaski was born into Polish nobility on March 6^th, 1745.  His legacy began with his military career in Poland where the Russians were forcing military occupation.  Fueled by his dedication to his homeland and deep desire to live in a free Poland, he quickly became a leader on the front of militant revolts against the Russians. After several attempts to overthrow Russian control, he was ultimately declared an enemy of the state by the Russian backed Polish monarchy.

Although his own countryman had turned against him, his reputation as a great military leader and freedom fighter had spread far and wide.  When Benjamin Franklin heard the tales of Casimir Pulaski’s heroic acts he immediately set out to persuade him to join the American Revolution.  After joining forces with the Americans, Casimir famously wrote to General Washington, “I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it." His dedication to America’s liberty was further solidified in history on September 11, 1777 during the Battle of Brandywine where he saved the life of General George Washington. He has also been attributed with the creation of the American Cavalry in 1778 and was named “Commander of the Horse” by the United States Congress.

Casimir Pulaski suffered bullet wounds during the Battle of Savannah which led to his untimely death on October 9, 1779. His dedication to liberty and justice for all will forever be remembered by Americans everywhere. Last year, I was proud to join my congressional colleges in awarding posthumous honorary U.S. citizenship to Casimir Pulaski.