Both the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago will observe Casimir Pulaski Day on Monday in commemoration of the Polish war hero who died in pursuit of America's freedom.
Born in 1747, Pulaski fought for Poland's freedom from Russia until 1771, when he was exiled to France, according to the Library of Congress. In Paris, he met American envoy Benjamin Franklin, who influenced him to help Americans fight for their independence and recommended that he be appointed a brigadier general in the Continental Army.
Once in America, Pulaski provided colonists with their first true legion on horseback and consequently became known as "The Father of the American Cavalry," the National Park Service's website stated.
Pulaski often used his own personal finances, when allocations from Congress were scarce, in order to assure his forces of the finest equipment and personal safety, according to the Polish American Center. Pulaski died at just 34 years old when he was wounded during the Battle of Savannah.
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The Polish-born general's name is a common sight across Chicago - from Pulaski Road to Pulaski Park and more.
In 1977, Illinois designated the first Monday in March as Casimir Pulaski Day to recognize the war hero and the contributions that Polish Americans have made to the state and nation, according to a previous news release from the state of Illinois.
It wasn't until nine years later that Chicago's City Council approved a resolution, which had been introduced by Mayor Harold Washington, to declare it an official holiday.
Local
In Buffalo, New York, another city with a large population of Polish immigrants, Pulaski Day is celebrated in mid-July with an annual parade. Both locally-based holidays shouldn't be confused with the national General Pulaski Memorial Day, which falls on Oct. 11.
This year for Casimir Pulaski Day, Chicago's Polish Museum of America will host a celebration with officials from all levels of government as well as Polonian organizations and institutions. While members of the public won't be able to attend in person, the program will be livestreamed online starting at 10 a.m.
