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Statement Recognizing Casimir Pulaski Day

March 1, 2021

WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement in recognition of Casmir Pulaski Day:

"Today we recognize Casimir Pulaski Day and the great contributions that General Pulaski made to our nation. On any normal year, I would have been celebrating with the great people at the Polish Museum of America for their annual festivities, and I can't wait to join them again.

"Born in 1745, Casimir Pulaski was a true fighter for freedom and became well known in his fight against Russian aggression in Poland. Despite his valiant effort to defend Poland, he was exiled and received in the United States. He fought alongside General George Washington and became a general in the Revolutionary War. General Pulaski wholeheartedly committed himself to the fight for freedom and is remembered in history as 'the Father of the American Cavalry'.

"Casimir Pulaski Day is celebrated as a state holiday in Illinois, as Chicago is proud to be home to the largest Polish diaspora community in the world. In the 9th Congressional District alone, nearly 1 in 10 residents are of Polish descent, but today Pulaski is not just celebrated by Polish-Americans, but by the entire Chicagoland area and all those who cherish freedom.

"Casimir Pulaski Day continues to remind us of the importance of international cooperation, US - Poland friendship, and immigration reform. General Pulaski stands as a prime example of the important role that Polish immigrants have had in the United States and serves as a role model for us all. We can honor Casimir Pulaski by working to make this generation of Americans welcoming to the dreamers and all Polish immigrants who have embraced this country as their home.

"Casimir Pulaski is also an icon for the principal idea of sacrifice. Often times in life, we are called upon to sacrifice, not just for ourselves or our families, but for our community. Casimir Pulaski was willing to risk it all and ultimately sacrificed his life for the idea of creating a new democracy and protecting our country. In honoring Casimir Pulaski, we honor not just our friends and family in uniform, but the number of medical professionals, truck drivers, and essential workers who wake up every day to serve our country in the face of this pandemic. To all who have sacrificed for our country, on this Casimir Pulaski Day, we say thank you.

"Today, I am proud to join the rest of Chicago in celebrating the life Casimir Pulaski and the gifts he gave to our nation."

Issues:Immigration