Today, we honor the heroic life and legacy of Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski—a son of Poland turned American warrior, a father of Independence, and a martyr of Liberty, whose courage breathed life into the Continental Army, advancing the sacred cause of freedom during the Revolutionary War.

Born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1745, Casimir Pulaski proved himself to be a battle-hardened patriot from an early age, courageously fighting to defend the freedom of his countrymen against Russian aggression. Recognizing his extraordinary military skill, fearless spirit, and profound devotion to liberty, Benjamin Franklin recruited him to cross the Atlantic Ocean and join the Continental Army’s righteous fight for Independence.

Without hesitation, Pulaski arrived on our shores in the summer of 1777 and, within weeks, displayed his bravery and tactical expertise at the Battle of Brandywine against the might of the British Empire.…