Criminal
03-07-2002, 09:13 PM
March 4th Casimir Pulaski Day
WHO WAS CASIMIR PULASKI?
Casimir Pulaski was a Polish nobleman became a General in George Washington's Army during the American Revolution and has been called the "Father of the United State's Cavelry". This is his story.
Casimir Pulaski was born of noble birth in Poland. Though an aristocrat he shared the convictions of many aristocrats of the era. He was a believer in the enlightenment of Voltaire and others. As a child he was educated at home and also learned horsemanship, fencing and shooting.
In the times in which he lived Poland was invaded by Russia, Austria and Prussia and under Russian sponsership a puppet king was chosen to lead the country. The part of Poland where Pulaski lived was occupied by the Russians. The Russian Czarina was Catherine II, called Catherine the Great by her Russian subjects, though the polish had an altogether different opinion of her. Pulaski, hoping to free his nation from the yoke of Russian oppression staged a rebellion. With support from Austria and Prussia the rebellion was cruelly put down and Pulaski and many of his supporters were forced to flee for their lives.
Pulaski lived in France where he came in contact with other expatriats. They met and spoke of plans of liberating their country. They also spoke of the new revolutionary ideals which were becomming popular. They spoke of freedom and liberty. Pulaski helped organize a fighting force at that time to fight along side the Turks who were also fighting the Russians. The war ended before the force could be deployed, however and he found another cause.
While in Paris Pulaski met Marquis De Lafayette who was organizing a force of europeans to aid the American Revolutionaries. These included the Prussians, Baron Von Stubben and Baron Von Clausawicz and fellow Pole, Thadaus Koscusco.
In the colonies of america, Pulaski met with Washington who employed the young pole as a staff officer. Pulaski saw an opportunity to raise a cavelry unit but this was deemed not practical. To raise such a force would be highly expensive.
Finally he was given the opportunity. His unit proved itself to be highly effective against the Brittish. The unit was staffed largely by officers of European origin, but it became endeared to the Revolutionary army because of its courage in battle.
Finally during the seige of Savanna by the continental army Pulaski was hit by cannon fire and was wounded. He died soon afterwards. He was buried with full honors and his heart was returned to his native poland.
To this day Pulaski is highly regarded. To the army he was the father of the US Cavelry. Many cities and towns, especially in the south where he fought, have honored him as well. A fort Pulaski exists in Georgia near the place of his death. It later was the sight of a battle during the Civil War.
To Polish americans he is given particular honor. In many cities where polish americans live, Casamir Pulaski day is still celibrated. Polish Americans point with pride to the fact that a Pole gave his life to the cause of American Freedom.
WHO WAS CASIMIR PULASKI?
Casimir Pulaski was a Polish nobleman became a General in George Washington's Army during the American Revolution and has been called the "Father of the United State's Cavelry". This is his story.
Casimir Pulaski was born of noble birth in Poland. Though an aristocrat he shared the convictions of many aristocrats of the era. He was a believer in the enlightenment of Voltaire and others. As a child he was educated at home and also learned horsemanship, fencing and shooting.
In the times in which he lived Poland was invaded by Russia, Austria and Prussia and under Russian sponsership a puppet king was chosen to lead the country. The part of Poland where Pulaski lived was occupied by the Russians. The Russian Czarina was Catherine II, called Catherine the Great by her Russian subjects, though the polish had an altogether different opinion of her. Pulaski, hoping to free his nation from the yoke of Russian oppression staged a rebellion. With support from Austria and Prussia the rebellion was cruelly put down and Pulaski and many of his supporters were forced to flee for their lives.
Pulaski lived in France where he came in contact with other expatriats. They met and spoke of plans of liberating their country. They also spoke of the new revolutionary ideals which were becomming popular. They spoke of freedom and liberty. Pulaski helped organize a fighting force at that time to fight along side the Turks who were also fighting the Russians. The war ended before the force could be deployed, however and he found another cause.
While in Paris Pulaski met Marquis De Lafayette who was organizing a force of europeans to aid the American Revolutionaries. These included the Prussians, Baron Von Stubben and Baron Von Clausawicz and fellow Pole, Thadaus Koscusco.
In the colonies of america, Pulaski met with Washington who employed the young pole as a staff officer. Pulaski saw an opportunity to raise a cavelry unit but this was deemed not practical. To raise such a force would be highly expensive.
Finally he was given the opportunity. His unit proved itself to be highly effective against the Brittish. The unit was staffed largely by officers of European origin, but it became endeared to the Revolutionary army because of its courage in battle.
Finally during the seige of Savanna by the continental army Pulaski was hit by cannon fire and was wounded. He died soon afterwards. He was buried with full honors and his heart was returned to his native poland.
To this day Pulaski is highly regarded. To the army he was the father of the US Cavelry. Many cities and towns, especially in the south where he fought, have honored him as well. A fort Pulaski exists in Georgia near the place of his death. It later was the sight of a battle during the Civil War.
To Polish americans he is given particular honor. In many cities where polish americans live, Casamir Pulaski day is still celibrated. Polish Americans point with pride to the fact that a Pole gave his life to the cause of American Freedom.