[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 197 (Wednesday, October 13, 1999)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 55405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-26794]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 197 / Wednesday, October 13, 1999 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 55405]]
Proclamation 7234 of October 6, 1999
General Pulaski Memorial Day, 1999
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In the more than two centuries that have passed since
the signing of our Declaration of Independence, America
has grown from a struggling democracy into the most
powerful Nation on earth. But today, even as we enter
the new century as a proud, prosperous, and free
people, we must never forget those friends who cast
their lot with us when the outcome of our bid for
independence was unclear. Among those to whom we owe
such a debt of gratitude is General Casimir Pulaski of
Poland, who gave his life for our freedom on a
Revolutionary War battlefield 220 years ago this month.
Casimir Pulaski had scarcely reached adulthood when he
joined his father and brothers in the struggle for
sovereignty for their native Poland. Though the Polish
forces were skilled in battle, neighboring empires
outnumbered and defeated them, and Pulaski himself was
forced into exile. But soon the young soldier answered
another call for freedom--this time on behalf of the
fledgling United States of America. He distinguished
himself in his first military engagement in our War for
Independence, and the Continental Congress immediately
commissioned him as a brigadier general and assigned
him to command the cavalry of the Continental Army.
Fighting with characteristic valor and distinction,
General Pulaski was killed during the Battle of
Savannah and earned an enduring place in our Nation's
history.
As we honor Casimir Pulaski this year, we give thanks
that for the first time, Poles and Americans can
proudly observe the anniversary of General Pulaski's
death as NATO allies. In the years to come, both our
peoples will continue to draw strength from the memory
of Casimir Pulaski and from the courage and sacrifice
of so many Poles and Polish Americans who have helped
ensure the freedom, peace, and prosperity our two
countries enjoy today.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 11, 1999, as
General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans
to commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs
and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-nine, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fourth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 99-26794
Filed 10-12-99; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
