Carbondale Reporter

Casimir Pulaski Day was officially designated as a statewide observance in Chicago and Illinois in 1986. It is observed each year on the first Monday in March in recognition of Pulaski’s March 6 birthday. Pulaski, a Polish-born hero of the American Revolution, was killed in battle during the ‘Siege of Savannah’ in 1779.

"Pulaski, a freedom fighter in Russian-occupied Poland, had a distinguished record on the battlefield before being forced out following invasions by Austria and Prussia. He met Benjamin Franklin in Paris in 1776 and offered to come to America to assist the American Revolution," as stated in the article.

The holiday holds significant importance in Illinois due to its large Polish American population, with over 875,000 Polish Americans residing in the state, making it the second-largest population in the U.S. after New York. Chicagoland, in particular, is known for its concentration of Polish Americans, with just under 2 million residing in the region, where Polish is the third most-spoken language.

"Pulaski led a successful attack against the British during the Battle of Brandywine. Soon thereafter, Pulaski was appointed to be a General and First Leader of the U.S. Cavalry. He is famously quoted as saying, 'I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.'"

While schools were originally closed on Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois, waivers can now be requested by individual districts to opt-out and have regular school days. However, the City of Chicago and Cook County government offices remain closed on Pulaski Day, as well as Chicago Public Libraries.

In 2009, lawmakers in Washington made Pulaski just the seventh foreigner to become an Honorary Citizen of the United States. Pulaski earned the nicknames ‘Soldier of Liberty’ and ‘Father of American Cavalry’ during his short time fighting in the Revolutionary War.

"Pulaski’s crew was sent to the south to fight against the British. He was severely wounded in October 1779 in Savannah, Georgia, and died days later."

Casimir Pulaski Day celebrations in Chicago include various events, such as a gathering with state and local leaders at the Polish Museum of America, and visits to places like Holy Trinity Church, Chopin Theatre, and the Podhalanka restaurant on Division Street, which offers delicious Polish dishes.

Overall, Casimir Pulaski Day serves as a day of remembrance and honor for a national hero who played a significant role in the American Revolution, particularly within the Polish American community in Illinois.