(CHICAGO) Governor Pat Quinn honored Revoluationary War hero Casimir Pulaski today, laying a wreath at a mural honoring General Pulaski at the Polish Museum of America. Today marks the 266th anniversary of the Polish-born General's birth.

 

“Brigadier General Pulaski once wrote that he was willing ‘to hazard all for the freedom of America,’ a sentiment he bravely displayed on countless battlefields during our war for independence,” Quinn said. “The unselfish spirit of this Freedom Fighter has inspired generations of Americans, from warriors on faraway front-lines to families in Polonia neighborhoods across Chicago willing to ‘hazard all’ for freedom.”

 

Governor Quinn was joined by Polonia leaders for the ceremony.

 

Pulaski, a volunteer who survived the icy Valley Forge winter and bouts of malaria, was credited with saving American forces at Bradywine and breaking the British seige at Charleston. Pulaski became known as the "Father of the American Cavalry."

 

Governor Quinn was joined by Polonia leaders for the ceremony.

 

Illinois enjoys a trade relationship with Poland, ranking fifth among U.S. states in exports to Poland. More than one-million Polish-Americans live in Illinois. Polish is the third-most spoken language in Illinois, following English and Spanish.

 

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