The Baltimore Sun: Remembering Casimir Pulaski on Pulaski Day
Folks in Baltimore are getting ready for Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day, but forgive me for pausing to recognize a hero of the American Revolution, Casimir Pulaski, on Pulaski Day.
Around these parts, Pulaski is not a big deal, but in my hometown of New Britain, Conn., the name certainly was. (Nice to see that some Chicago agencies shut down today to commemorate the holiday.) Kids in my neighborhood once went to Pulaski High School, which is fitting for a city that had many, many Polish immigrants. How big is that influence? You can still find plenty of Polish delis, travel agencies and restaurants along Broad Street -- including the wonderful Starapolska, where the menu is loaded with pierogi, golabek, kielbasa and bigos. At the local hospital, the signs are in English, Spanish and Polish. You get the idea.
As for the man himself, here's how the National Park Service describes his exploits: "By 1776, Pulaski learned of America's struggle for independence and offered his services to the cause. Pulaski arrived in Boston in July 1777. Pulaski would serve next to George Washington who appreciated Pulaski's vast military experience. On September 15, 1777, the American congress promoted Pulaski to the rank of Brigadier General in command of cavalry.
"Pulaski quickly distinguished himself at Brandywine, where he covered the retreat of Washington's troops, preventing a total rout. Pulaski gained more success at Germantown. In May, 1778, Pulaski began to form an independent cavalry unit that would be known as the Pulaski Legion. Comprised of Americans, German, Frenchmen, Irishmen, and Poles, the legion would see immediate action in October along the New Jersey coast. The Pulaski legion would later guard the northern border of Pennsylvania before heading south.
"In May 1779, the Pulaski Legion helped defend Charleston, South Carolina against the British. ... By the fall of 1779, the Pulaski Legion headed toward Savannah, Georgia in an effort to join other French and American troops in an attempt to retake Savannah from the British. In the attack on October 9, 1779, American and French forces fell short of retaking the city. Pulaski was also mortally wounded by grapeshot and would die two days later aboard the American ship Wasp on route to Charleston."
So before you go all green for St. Patrick, how about a toast for Casimir?
