Six prominent foreign-born officers participated in the American Revolutionary War between 1776 and 1781. Two were from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth that existed between 1569 and 1795. One of them was Casimir Pulaski, whose birthday is recognized in the United States on the first Monday in March. It is a state holiday in Illinois, with many offices closed in Chicago. (The other was Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who will be discussed in a different article.)
How did Pulaski earn the status of American Revolutionary War Hero? As a young man, he fought against the Russian encroachment on the Commonwealth and became an experienced cavalryman and leader. In 1776, Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane encouraged Pulaski to join the American fight for independence. He was promoted to Brigadier General after the 1777 Battle of Brandywine, during which he led a counterattack against British forces that prevented General George Washington and his men from being overtaken. Pulaski is credited with saving the life of the future first president of the United States.
In October 1779, Pulaski led an attack on British forces during the Second Battle of Savannah. He was wounded during the engagement and subsequently died at the age of 34. He has become known as “The Father of the American Cavalry.” Pulaski was a staunch supporter of independence in his own country and ours. He is considered a war hero in both countries. He gave his life in our fight for liberty. In 2009, President Obama declared Pulaski one of eight honorary Citizens of the United States. There is a memorial statue of this hero at Pulaski Circle in Hartford.
As a side note, the Frenchman Marquis de Lafayette was probably the most famous of the foreigners who fought with the patriots. He, too, is an honorary U.S. citizen. The American Friends of Lafayette will begin celebrating the 200th anniversary of this hero’s 24-state visit to the United States in July.
Also, watch for a future article to learn more about the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth mentioned earlier. The Suffield Polish Heritage Society welcomes those of Lithuanian descent to join us at future meetings.