Żołnierze wyklęci cz. 1 przekazania "Testamentu żołnierzy i obywateli Polskiego Państwa Podziemnego" reprezentantom młodego pokolenia Polaków
Pierwsza część uroczystości przekazania "Testamentu żołnierzy i obywateli Polskiego Państwa Podziemnego" reprezentantom młodego pokolenia Polaków, jaka odbyła się na dziedzińcu Pałacu Prezydenckiego 27 września 2009 roku
Partyzanci 3 kompanii por. Henryka Głowińskiego "Groźnego" ze zgrupowania mjr. Józefa Kurasia "Ognia". "Groźny", stoi trzeci z lewej, za nim stoi Antoni Wąsowicz "Roch".
Oddział "Rocha", czyli pozostałości 3 kompanii zgrupowania "Ognia" był oddziałem, który kontynuując podziemną działalność postanowił także zastosować represje wobec ujawniających się "ogniowców". Najbardziej znaną tego typu akcją był zamach na Bogusława Szokalskiego "Herkulesa", byłego adiutanta „Ognia”, oraz na jego narzeczoną Albinę Zborowską „Baśkę”, do którego doszło 23 marca 1947 r. W jego wyniku Zborowska została zastrzelona, a Szokalski ciężko ranny. Powodem zamachu na te osoby był nie tylko fakt ich ujawnienia wobec władz, ale także przypuszczenia, że podjęli oni jeszcze za życia „Ognia” współpracę z UB1.
Zaznaczyć należy, że podziemie funkcjonowało wówczas w bardzo trudnych warunkach, gdyż współpracujący dotychczas z partyzantami górale, czyli tzw. „terenówka bandy”, jak określali to funkcjonariusze UB, w dużej części także postanowili skorzystać z amnestii. Sytuacja w Gorcach była na tyle niesprzyjająca dalszej działalności, że dowodzący 3 kompanią Antoni Wąsowicz „Roch” razem z jeszcze dwoma innymi „ogniowcami” (Adamem Domalikiem i Edwardem Superganem) postanowił przerwać walkę i przez Czechosłowację i Austrię przedostać się na Zachód. Partyzanci zaopatrzeni w broń krótką i granaty 7 maja opuścili Polskę. Niestety, próba ta zakończyła się niepowodzeniem i aresztowaniem całej trójki na terenie Austrii 12 maja 1947 r. Antoni Wąsowicz i Adam Domalik zostali następnie przekazani władzom polskim i na mocy wyroku Wojskowego Sądu Rejonowego w Krakowie skazani na karę śmierci, którą wykonano 24 lutego 1948 r. Supergan uratował życie, ale trafił na wiele lat do więzienia.
Oddział "Wiarusy" w 1947 r. - pierwszy z lewej dowódca Józef Świder "Mściciel", drugi z-ca dowódcy Dymitr Zasulski "Czarny", za nim Mieczysław Łysek "Grandziarz". Klęczy od lewej Adam Półtorak "Wicher", N.N.
Wiarusy 1947 r. Od lewej: Adam Półtorak "Wicher", N.N., Adam Papież, Mieczysław Łysek "Grandziarz", Dymitr Zasulski "Czarny".
Wiarusy 1947 r. Od lewej: Adam Półtorak "Wicher", Adam Papież, Mieczysław Łysek "Grandziarz", Dymitr Zasulski "Czarny", N.N.
Klęczy Dymitr Zasulski "Czarny", przy rkm-ie leży Mieczysława Łysek "Grandziarz".
W Gorcach pozostała zaledwie kilkuosobowa grupa partyzantów, na czele z Józefem Świdrem „Pucułą”, który po objęciu nad nią dowództwa zmienił swój pseudonim na „Mściciel”. Dwudziestoletni Świder, dotychczas szeregowy żołnierz 3 kompanii, okazał się być dobrym organizatorem – oddział oficjalnie już działający pod nazwą „Wiarusy” rozbudował do stanu kilkunastoosobowego, wzmocnił też sieć współpracowników i informatorów grupy. W obawie przed stale narastającymi represjami UB z powrotem w góry trafiali kolejni byli żołnierze „Ognia”. Głośnym echem odbiła się w tym czasie sprawa śmierci ujawnionego partyzanta Kazimierza Białońskiego „Rudego”, którego zastrzelono w jednej z zakopiańskich restauracji.
Do lasu uciekano więc z jednej strony nie chcąc trafić do więzienia, a z drugiej w obawie o własne życie. „Wiarusy” pod dowództwem „Mściciela” działali aż do 18 lutego 1948 r., kiedy to Józef Świder zginął w potyczce z UB w Lubniu, a pochwycony wówczas Marian Kozłecki „Grzmot” poprowadził 20 lutego obławę na leśny obóz oddziału, którym była ziemianka położona między Harklową a Ochotnicą.
Fotografia Józefa Świdra „Mściciela” zastrzelonego przez UB w walce 18 lutego 1948 r., wraz z opisem sporządzonym przez bezpiekę.
Po tych wydarzeniach grupę scalił na nowo Tadeusz Dymel „Srebrny”, nie należący wcześniej do zgrupowania „Ognia”. Oddział liczył około 10 osób, nie posiadał stałej bazy, korzystając przede wszystkim z gościnności gorczańskich górali. W lipcu 1948 r. doszło do niejasnego do dzisiaj podziału w obrębie grupy. Według opinii oficerów UB miał on nastąpić na tle okupacyjnej przeszłości „Srebrnego”. Był on bowiem w 1947 r. oskarżony o to, że w czasie wojny współpracował z Gestapo (tajną niemiecką policją państwową) w Nowym Sączu. Nie został jednak osądzony, gdyż uciekł z rozprawy i wraz ze swoim szwagrem Edwardem Skórnógiem dołączył do dowodzonego przez „Mściciela” oddziału „Wiarusy”. Jak dotąd nie udało się w pełni ani potwierdzić, ani obalić tezy o współpracy Dymela z Niemcami2.
Po podziale przy „Srebrnym” pozostali: Stanisław Ludzia „Dzielny”, „Harnaś” (ujawniony w 1947 r. były adiutant „Ognia”), Edward Skórnóg „Szatan” oraz Mieczysław Łysek „Grandziarz”.
Odeszli natomiast bracia Samborscy – Kajetan „Lot”, „Teściowa” i Stanisław „Bratek”, „Duch”, Zbigniew Zarębski „Kanciarz” oraz Henryk Machała „Jaksa”, „Gryf”. Na czele grupy stanął „Teściowa”, a oddział przyjął nazwę „Zorza”. Nie działał jednak długo, gdyż już w październiku 1948 r. zawiesił akcje zbrojne, a broń ukrył u Józefa Kościelniaka w Rabce. Partyzanci wyposażeni tylko w pistolety i granaty udali się do Bielska, gdzie zamierzali przeczekać niesprzyjający walce w górach okres zimowy. Podczas podróży pociągiem zostali jednak zdemaskowani: na stacji w Wadowicach wywiązała się strzelanina, podczas której śmierć ponieśli dwaj cywile i milicjant. Zdarzenie to skłoniło Kajetana Samborskiego do zmiany planów. Podjął on mianowicie decyzje o przedostaniu się przez „zieloną granicę” do amerykańskiej strefy okupacyjnej. Wyprawa miała miejsce w listopadzie 1948 r. i zakończyła się niepowodzeniem.
Od lewej: ps. "Saper", Mieczysław Łysek "Grandziarz", Stanisław Ludzia "Harnaś".
Już na terenie Czechosłowacji „Teściowa” i „Kanciarz” zginęli zastrzeleni przez funkcjonariuszy tamtejszej bezpieki. Lekko ranny Stanisław Samborski „Bratek” został wydany władzom polskim i po śledztwie skazany na śmierć. Henryk Machała „Gryf”, który nie brał udziału w wyjeździe, powrócił w Gorce do „Wiarusów”, którymi po śmierci „Srebrnego” w październiku 1948 r. dowodził już Stanisław Ludzia „Harnaś”.
W ten sposób połączona grupa, powiększona o Jana Jankowskiego „Groźnego”, Leona Zagatę „Złoma”, a później także Stanisława Janczego „Pruta”, działała aż do ostatecznego rozbicia w lipcu 1949 r.
Jan Jankowski "Groźny", partyzant oddziału "Wiarusy", stracony przez komunistów 12 I 1950 r.
Henryk Machała "Gryf", partyzant oddziału "Wiarusy", stracony przez komunistów 12 I 1950 r.
Rozbicie oddziału partyzanckiego „Wiarusy” nastręczało bezpiece bardzo wiele trudności. Akcje prowadzone nieprzerwanie od 1947 r. tylko okresowo wpływały na dezorganizacje działalności grupy, nie mogły jednak doprowadzić do jej zupełnego unieszkodliwienia. Oddział pomimo tego, że tracił swoich najbardziej doświadczonych żołnierzy, także dowódców (Józef Świder, Dymitr Zasulski, Tadeusz Dymel), istniał dalej i zdolny był do prowadzenia działań bojowych na terenie całego powiatu nowotarskiego. Znamiennym jest fakt, że największym sukcesem UB było rozbicie „Zorzy” w 1948 r., a więc akcja sprowokowana tak naprawdę przez samych partyzantów, którzy opuścili góry i próbowali przedostać się na Zachód. Od tego momentu wzmogły się także obławy i aresztowania na samym Podhalu, na co niemały wpływ miały zeznania członków „Zorzy”: Stanisława Samborskiego „Orlika” oraz Bronisławy Zarębskiej (Luschanek). Pomimo intensywnych poszukiwań nie udało się jednak wytropić ukrywających się w swoich „melinach” żołnierzy podziemia, nad którymi z początkiem 1949 r. dowództwo objął Stanisław Ludzia „Harnaś”.
Na pierwszym planie (z lewej) stoi Stanisław Ludzia "Harnaś".
Pomimo niepowodzeń powstawały kolejne plany rozbicia „Wiarusów”. Początkowo dążono do ujęcia partyzantów poprzez system kontrolowanych przez agenturę i współpracowników UB „bezpiecznych kryjówek”. Nie doceniono jednak faktu, że oddział posiadał cały szereg zaufanych ludzi, którzy nie byli przez UB rozpracowani, a pełnili funkcję informatorów, zapewniając także partyzantom kwaterunek. Wiosną 1949 r. oddział wyszedł z ukrycia i wznowił działalność, przeprowadzając szereg akcji rekwizycyjnych oraz wymierzonych we współpracowników nowej władzy (m.in. zarekwirowano towary w spółdzielni w Nowej Białej 1 kwietnia 1949 r.).
Pieczęć „Wiarusów" – III Kompania AK.
Skłoniło to funkcjonariuszy do opracowania nowego sposobu likwidacji grupy – tym razem przez wprowadzenie do niej agenta. Próba taka miała miejsce już rok wcześniej w maju 1948 r., kiedy to do „Wiarusów” dołączył Franciszek Mierwa „Łosoś” z Długopola, były partyzant ze zgrupowania „Ognia”, którego dwa miesiące wcześniej bezpieka skłoniła do współpracy. Przyjął on wówczas pseudonim „Wiśniewski”. Miał on za zadanie wejść w skład oddziału, zyskać zaufanie dowódcy, a następnie skłonić go do udania się w rejon Długopola, gdzie przygotowana była już przez UB zasadzka. Plan ten nie powiódł się, przede wszystkim dlatego, że Mierwa będąc w oddziale i przemieszczając się wraz z nim, nie miał dostatecznej możliwości informowania UB o ruchach grupy, nie był też w stanie skłonić „Srebrnego” do przejścia w rejon Długopola. Mimo to, dzięki jego staraniom udało się ustalić szereg współpracowników oddziału, a także aresztować jej nowego członka – Franciszka Szeligę. 14 lipca 1948 r. donosił on m.in. o przejściu „Wiarusów” przez Ochotnicę Dolną, później jednak utracił z partyzantami kontakt i powrócił do Długopola. Tam od 1949 r. ukrywał się zarówno przed „Wiarusami”, jak i przed UB. Władze zlokalizowały jego miejsce zamieszkania dopiero w 1951 r.
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1. Według dostępnych autorowi materiałów ani Szokalski, ani Zborowska nie współpracowali z bezpieką. Z końcem 1946 r. zostali wysłani przez Kurasia na Ziemie Zachodnie, skąd wrócili dopiero po ogłoszeniu amnestii w lutym 1947 r. Według niepotwierdzonych opinii niektórych członków Zgrupowania „Błyskawica” mieli oni dopuścić się defraudacji sporej sumy pieniędzy, przekazanej im dla celów służbowych przez „Ognia”. Również ten fakt zaważyć miał na decyzji o ich likwidacji.
2. Dymel był do 11 listopada 1944 r. zastępcą komendanta, wywodzącej się z oddziału BCh „Zyndram”, placówki AK w Łącku. Poszukiwany był równocześnie przez dowódcę 9 kompanii 1 psp AK por. Juliana Zubka „Tatara”, który chciał na nim wykonać wyrok śmierci. Istnieją przesłanki świadczące o tym, że Dymel nawiązał kontakt z BCh właśnie dlatego, że był podejrzewany przez AK o kontakty z Gestapo. Co ciekawe, w styczniu 1945 r. to właśnie Dymel razem z Edwardem Skórnógiem pomogli partyzantom radzieckim ze zgrupowania mjr./ppłk Iwana Zołotara wysadzić niemieckie magazyny na Zamku Jagiellońskim w Nowym Sączu. Ich nazwiska zostały jednak skrzętnie pominięte w polskim wydaniu wspomnień Zołotara, zapewne by nie kojarzono sowieckich partyzantów z „reakcyjnymi bandami”.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
US Departament of State Discrimination of the Polish Nationals People's of Poland.
US Departament of State Discrimination of the Polish Nationals People's of Poland.
The only possibility to make an appointment with the US consular officer in Poland is to call the info line 0 701 77 44 00 or *740 94 00 from the cell phones. The call costs 4.00 PLN plus 22% VAT for one minute. It takes about 10 minutes to make an appointment over the phone. So it costs about 48.80 PLN to arrange the appointment. In English version there is no information about possibility to pay 22 PLN with Visa or MasterCard by calling to the Embassy number +48 22 523 2000
http://poland.usembassy.gov/poland/how_to_apply.html
Slovakia
There is no fee for scheduling an appointment with the consular officer. This is done by the internet webpage. Below are appropriate links.
http://slovakia.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant-visas.html
http://slovakia.usembassy.gov/scheduling-a-visa-interview.html
https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=BTS&appcode=3
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_barcode.asp
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_nocalendar.asp
Czech Republic
There is no fee for scheduling an appointment with the consular officer. This is done by the internet webpage. Below are appropriate links.
http://prague.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html
https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=PRG&appcode=3
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_barcode.asp
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_nocalendar.asp
Germany
There are two ways of applying for appointment with the consular officer online and by phone. Online appointment procedure costs 10 US dollars. Through the telephone you should call 0900 1-850055. It costs EUR 1.86/min from landline . Mobile phone providers might offer different tariffs. You can call and pay for the service using a credit card by calling +49 (0)9131-772-2270 You will be charged for the long-distance call and a EUR 15 service charge will be billed through your credit card.
http://germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/
http://germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/apply/
http://germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/step4/
Lithuania
There is no fee for scheduling an appointment with the consular officer. This is done by the internet webpage. Below are appropriate links.
http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html
https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=VIL&appcode=3
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_barcode.asp
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_nocalendar.asp
Ukraine
To make an appointment with the consular officer you should call 044-207-7071. If calling from the United States, the telephone number is 1-888-826-2340. You must pay 12 US dollars for 8 minutes call and you must purchase a PIN.
http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/call_center_eng.html
Belarus
Issuing tourist visas is suspended because of limited number of diplomatic personnel.
http://minsk.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html
Russia
Visas to the USA are managed by the company Pony Express.
Polish-American Contributions To Our Nation
The United States of America is a country shaped by immigrants. All people that are citizens today have either come here themselves, or their ancestors came here, through immigration. Even the people known as "Native Americans" are immigrants that came here 10,000 years ago. Of these many peoples, one particular group has made many great contributions to this country. This group is the Polish-Americans. Through the history of the U.S., the Polish-Americans have made significant strides and accomplishments in politics, art, the military, and science.
Even though the greatest wave of Polish-Americans immigrated to this country from 1870 to 1920, Poles have been involved in America since even before there was a United States. There are reports of a Polish Legion attached to the English exploration in 1607. Also, a great number of Poles fought for the colonials in the American Revolution. The people of Poland identified with the American colonists’ struggle for independence, because they to were in a similar struggle during the 1770’s.
Despite discrimination from Anglo-Saxon, Protestant Americans, the Polish-Americans made the best of their new home, and flourished as a proud community. Polish-Americans never lost their ethnic identity. Family was the fundamental unit in their life. They also carried on the strong Polish Catholic tradition. One strong characteristic of the Polish-Americans was that they never forgot the struggles of their ancestors. Polish-Americans took a great interest in the affairs of their new country. The first Polish-American political club, the "Kosciuszko Club," established in 1871, had this motto, "A good Pole is a good American citizen."
Many Polish-Americans have accomplished great things in U.S. politics. Edmund Muskie-(Marciszewski) was a very successful U.S. politician. He was the first popularly elected Democratic Senator, and he served as a Senator in Maine for 22 years. He made two attempts at the White House; once in 1968 as vice-president on the Humphrey ticket, and in 1972 as a Democratic candidate for president. He later served the government as Secretary of State in 1980. Here he helped resolve the Iran hostage situation. He also served on the Tower Commission that probed the Iran-Contra scandal. Another successful Polish-American in politics was Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, who was one of the US’s leading foreign policy statesmen. He is a professor of American Foreign Policy at the Paul Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role in the normalization of relations between the U.S. and China. He also wrote many books on political philosophy.
In the American art world, there have been many accomplishments by Polish-Americans. A Polish-American sculptor and artist, Korczak Ziolkowski, is the creator of the statue of Crazy Horse in the Dakota Black Hills. He was also a member of the artist team that sculpted the heads of presidents on Mt. Rushmore. In one interview with him, Ziolkowski said, "Artistic talent is a gift given to you, it can very seldom be taught to you. Be bold. Always be bold. Know your subject until you feel your subject." Another Polish-American, Ed Paschke, was a contemporary painter, who was a featured Chicago Abstract Imagist. His style centers on elaborate masks and depersonalized, partial figures that exist in an airless world. Paschke’s subjects "exhibit this yearning to be understood, but their masks reveal no meaning(Daniels, pg.45)."
Throughout the history of the U.S., many Polish-Americans have served with honor in the military. Tadeusz Kosciuszko was a political leader and philosopher that served in the Colonial army against the British in the American Revolution. He was a great military strategist that set up the American defenses at the great Battle of Saratoga, the turning point of the Revolution. He also built West Point. He was also a patriot in his native homeland of Poland. The plaque upon his statue at the military academy reads "Hero of two worlds." Kosciuszko is also known as the "Pioneer of Negro Emancipation." Upon his death, he stipulated that all of his property and wealth should go toward "the charitable purposes of educating and emancipating as many children of bondage in this country as it should be adequate."
General Pulaski, a Pole, came to the aid of the Americans during the revolution, and gave his life in the Battle of Savanah. Wladimir B. Krzyzanowski was a Polish-American that fought for the Union in the Civil War. He organized a "Polish Legion," which was made up of Polish-Americans and Polish immigrants. He led a bayonet charge that won the battle of Cross Creek in 1862. At the battle of Groveton, Krzyzanowski’s troops captured part of "Stonewall" Jackson’s army. He also fought in the 2nd Bull Run and Chancellorsville. His "Polish Legion" lost more than 50% of its men at Gettysburgh on July 1st. He was the General that led the counter-offensive that saved Cemetery Ridge. He was later involved in the sieges of Chattanooga and Knoxville. After the war, Krzyzanowski worked in the U.S. Treasury Department, serving in the Reconstruction Districts of Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. He was also the Reconstruction governor of Alabama. He was elected the first Governor of Alaska. Krzyzanowski was also a champion of the "Women’s Revolution" and he spoke many times in favor of women’s suffrage.
In the field of science, many Polish-Americans have made great contributions. Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar, the fiber used in bullet proof vests, while working for DuPont in 1960. She was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Mrs. Kwolek has received 20 awards for her work and achievements in science. She has received the National Medal of Technology, the nation’s highest technology award, and she has also received the Perkin Award, the most prestigious award in the applied sciences. Bronislaw Malinowski, one of the founders of Cultural Anthropology, is famous for his research in the Trobriand Islands. He came up with the idea of four categories of myth: function and practice, context and meaning, anthropology and psychoanalysis, and conceptual mankind. He is known as one of America’s greatest universal thinkers. Stanislaw Ulam, a great mathematician, wrote many books on mathematics. He was one of the creators of the A-bomb and the H-bomb for the United States military.
As you can see, many Polish-Americans have made great contributions to our country. It is truly a great thing that these men and women never forgot their heritage. They worked so hard for the U.S., but never lost sight of their roots in Eastern Europe. Poland as a country has overcome so much, and so have the Polish people. The Polish-American people not only honor themselves and our country, but they honor the land of their ancestors as well. Many Polish-American groups help out the community on the daily, and in the future, many more Polish-Americans will contribute to our country, and lead the United States into the 21st Century.
Tadeusz Kosciuszko
(1746-1817)
Two hundred and fifty one years have passed since in February 1746, in the Eastern territories of the Kingdom of Poland, the man to whom these words are addressed was born. The man who was to become the symbol of alliance between countries so distant in space yet so close in their love of freedom.
A cadet of the Military Academy in Warsaw, an outstanding, educated in France engineer - strategist, a hero of the U.S. War of Independence, the commander-in-chief of the only Polish uprising to be named after its leader - Kosciuszko Rising.
Tadeusz Kosciuszko. This - how difficult for them a name - the American people have imprinted in gold onto the pages recording the dramatic history of the struggle for independence. History spanning the time from the moment when on October 18th 1776 the Leader of the Congress signed - with the words "... with great faith and trust in tour patriotism, virtues and loyalty ..." - Kosciuszko's nomination for the colonel of the American Army, till the day of November 25th, 1783 when General Kosciuszko accompanied the Commander-in-Chief George Washington on his triumphant return to New York.
On the great map of the United States of America there still shine with the glare of victory and faithful memory the battlefields where Kosciuszko fought. Saratoga - regarded as the "turning point" in the history of the War of Independence, fortified by "the young Polish engineer" that won the words of highest esteem from Horatio Gates, his commander.
West Point - the stronghold called by Washington "the most important post in America" where Tadeusz Kosciuszko, in the words of that supreme commander, had "chief direction and superintendence". The Yadkin and Dan rivers in North Carolina and Virginia where the crossing directed by Kosciuszko twice rescued the army from the enemy, compelling its commander, General Nathaneal Greene to call his chief engineer "one of the most helpful and congenial companions", stressing his "perseverance, determination, indefatigable efforts" as well as his "incomparable modesty".
"From one man we can have but one life" - wrote about Kosciuszko President Thomas Jefferson ' "and you gave us the most valuable and active part of yours, and we are now enjoying and improving its effects. Every sound American, sincere votary of freedom loves and honors you...".
The New York bridge that bears the name of Tadeusz Kosciuszko is crowned at the top with the emblems of both our states. They differ in shape but the symbol is the same. An eagle. American and Polish.
Tadeusz Kosciuszko came from a family of small landed gentry. He attended the Cadet School and in 1770 left for Paris to continue his studies. There, he became acquainted with the progressive ideology of the French Enlightenment. Poland was undergoing the first partition of 1772 when Kosciuszko was in France. In 1776 Kosciuszko left for America and took part in the fight for the freedom of the North American colonies.
Back in Poland in 1784, Kosciuszko helped organize the Polish Army which was enlarged by provisions contained in the statutes of the Four-Year Seym and participated in the 1792 war against Russia.
An armed insurrection broke out in Poland in 1794. Kosciuszko returned to the country and was appointed commander-in-chief of the armed forces with powers of a dictator.
On March 24th Kosciuszko took his oath in Cracow: "I swear to the whole Polish nation that I shall not use the power vested in me for private oppression but that I shall exercise this power only in the defense of the whole of the frontiers and to regain the independence of the Nation and to establish universal freedom". Wishing to draw the peasant masses into the fight for liberty, Kosciuszko proclaimed what is called the Po³aniec Universal in which he abolished serfdom, reduced the corvee - or unpaid labour for the lord - and freed peasants who served in the army from this duty.
After several victorious battles in October, 1794, the Polish forces suffered a defeat at Maciejowice. The commander, heavily wounded in the field, was taken prisoner. Kosciuszko remained in Russia as a prisoner until 1796. After his release Kosciuszko lived in the West.
Kosciuszko died in Switzerland in 1817. his body was brought to Poland and laid to rest in the royal crypt at Wawel Castle.
"The effusion of friendship and my warmest toward you which not time will alter. Your principles and dispositions were made to be honored, revered and loved. True to a single object, the freedom and happiness of man..." - so wrote the President of the United States Thomas Jefferson to his friend, American and Polish army general Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY, 2009 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY, 2009 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Each year on this day, Americans pause to remember a patriot and champion of liberty who fought valiantly for the freedom of our Nation. During our struggle for independence, General Casimir Pulaski displayed heroic leadership and ultimately sacrificed his life in service to our country. His commitment to liberty remains an inspiration to us today, 230 years later, and it serves as a reflection of the many contributions Polish Americans have made to our national identity.
Born in Poland in 1745, Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski witnessed the occupation of Poland by foreign troops during his youth. He joined the struggle for Polish independence in 1768, fighting alongside his father with unwavering determination. Despite the tremendous courage of Pulaski and his compatriots, the foreign forces prevailed and Poland was divided among three of its neighbors. The young Casimir Pulaski was exiled, and, while in Paris, met America's envoy to France, Benjamin Franklin, and learned of our nascent quest for independence.
Arriving in America during the summer of 1777, General Pulaski quickly earned a commission and led his troops with admirable skill in a number of important campaigns. He would eventually become known as the "Father of the American Cavalry." In 1779, Pulaski was mortally wounded during the siege of Savannah while trying to rally his troops under heavy enemy fire. Before laying down his life for the United States, this Polish and American hero had earned a reputation for his idealism and his courageous spirit.
Pulaski's ideals live on today in the many Polish-American communities across the country. These neighborhoods continue to celebrate Polish culture, while adding immeasurably to our national identity. Their contributions have expanded our collective knowledge, pushing the boundaries of science, business, and the arts. With each passing year, the cooperation between the United States and Poland grows, supported by the dedication and commitment of Polish Americans to our shared history. Today, as we remember General Pulaski, we celebrate our strong friendship with Poland, and honor those Americans of Polish heritage.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, October 11, 2009, as General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans to commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs and activities paying tribute to Casimir Pulaski and honoring all those who defend the freedom of our great Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
Parade of West Point Cadets and remembrance ceremony during the 262nd Anniversary of the Birth of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, which took place in West Point at April 26, 2008.
This video was created by Piotr Kajstura.
Norman Davies on Polish history
Casimir Pulaski was born in Podalia, Poland, on March 4, 1747. He had five sisters and two brothers. His father gave him a pony when he was five years old and a horse when he was eight years old. As a child, Casimir learned how to shoot a bulls-eye while riding a horse. His father sent him to Warsaw to go to school. Then his father sent him to the Court of Courtland to be a page for the Duke of Courtland. While Pulaski was there, the Russians took over Courtland, so Casimir had to return to Warsaw.
Pulaski's father organized a group called The Knights of the Holy Cross. The Knights fought against the Russians, because the Russians were trying to take over Poland. Pulaski recruited men to be in the Knights, and he fought with the Knights. They fought bravely against the Russians, but they lost. Casimir and the rest of the Knights were captured and sent to prison. Then he was banished from Poland. He went to Turkey. He and his father and his brothers trained men to fight against Russia. The Russians tried to capture them, but Pulaski escaped back to Poland, even though he had been banished from there.
When he got to Cracow, Poland, Pulaski joined the Polish Revolutionary Confederates who were trying to fight against the Russians. He fought bravely and he helped the Confederates win the Battle of Kukielki, which forced the Russians to leave Poland. He was a hero to the Polish people, but later, the king of Poland, King Stanislaus, turned against him, and he had to flee Poland again.
Image courtesy of ArtToday.
Pulaski decided to go to America to help the colonists fight against the British. He got in touch with Benjamin Franklin, who was in Paris. Franklin gave him money to get to America and told the American Congress and George Washington about Casimir Pulaski.
After he got to America, Pulaski found General Washington in Philadelphia. Washington got the Congress to put Casimir Pulaski in charge of the American Cavalry. Near Brandywine, he saw the British planning a trap around the Americans. He led a charge against the British and defeated the trap. He was a hero to the Americans for saving them from the trap.
Pulaski trained men for the American Cavalry and the infantry. He wanted to start a special legion. The Congress gave him permission. He trained them to be experts on horseback. He led them to battle in New York City. On the way to New York, they had to pass through New Jersey. At Little Egg Harbor, they burned twenty British ships and took all their ammunition. Unfortunately, some of Pulaski 's friends died in the battle.
Casimir Pulaski and his Legion rode south to Charleston to help the people there fight against the British. They went after the British as they tried to escape to sea. Casimir and his men won again, capturing many British troops and supplies. Then Pulaski and his troops went to Savannah to try to capture the city from the British. As they were planning, an American soldier named James Curry informed the British of their plans, so the British were ready for the attack. Because of this, the Americans lost the battle and Casimir Pulaski got shot during the battle. He was badly wounded. The wounds became infected, and he became sick and died. He died on October 11, 1779. He was only 32 years old.
It was a very important thing that the hero Casimir Pulaski came to defend the colonies in the fight against Great Britain, and that is why children in Illinois get a holiday off from school on the first Monday of March. We honor the memory of Casimir Pulaski.
Polonez - Pan Tadeusz
Casimir Pulaski (1745?-1779) is a hero of two countries, Poland and the United States. Pulaski (in Polish: Kazimierz Pulawski) was born in a small town near Warsaw, Poland during the mid-1740s. In 1768, Pulaski and his father Jozef founded the Confederation of the Bar to defend Poland against the aggressive Russian forces, which later arrested and killed Casimir's father. Unable to prevent the partition of Poland, Pulaski left Poland and lived in exile in Turkey and the Balkans between 1772 and 1775, and then to Paris where he met Benjamin Franklin. Franklin convinced him to support the colonies against England in the American Revolution.
Pulaski impressed with the ideals of a new nation struggling to be free, volunteered his services. In 1777, Pulaski arrived in Philadelphia where he met General Washington, Commander-in -Chief of the Continental Army. Later at Brandywine, he came to the aid of Washington's forces and distinguished himself as a brilliant military tactician. For his efforts, Congress appointed him Brigadier-General in charge of Four Horse Brigades. Then again, at the battles of Germantown and Valley Forge, Pulaski's knowledge of warfare assisted Washington and his men.
Later in 1778, through Washington's intervention, Congress approved the establishment of the Cavalry and put Pulaski at its head. The Father of the American Cavalry demanded much of his men and trained them in tested cavalry tactics. He used his own personal finances, when money from Congress was scarce, in order to assure his forces of the finest equipment and personal safety.
Pulaski and his legion were then ordered to defend Little Egg Harbor in New Jersey and Minisink on the Delaware and then south to Charleston, South Carolina. However, it was at the battle of Savannah in 1779 that General Pulaski, riding forth into battle on his horse, fell to the ground mortally wounded by the blast of cannon.
The only possibility to make an appointment with the US consular officer in Poland is to call the info line 0 701 77 44 00 or *740 94 00 from the cell phones. The call costs 4.00 PLN plus 22% VAT for one minute. It takes about 10 minutes to make an appointment over the phone. So it costs about 48.80 PLN to arrange the appointment. In English version there is no information about possibility to pay 22 PLN with Visa or MasterCard by calling to the Embassy number +48 22 523 2000
http://poland.usembassy.gov/poland/how_to_apply.html
Slovakia
There is no fee for scheduling an appointment with the consular officer. This is done by the internet webpage. Below are appropriate links.
http://slovakia.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant-visas.html
http://slovakia.usembassy.gov/scheduling-a-visa-interview.html
https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=BTS&appcode=3
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_barcode.asp
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_nocalendar.asp
Czech Republic
There is no fee for scheduling an appointment with the consular officer. This is done by the internet webpage. Below are appropriate links.
http://prague.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html
https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=PRG&appcode=3
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_barcode.asp
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_nocalendar.asp
Germany
There are two ways of applying for appointment with the consular officer online and by phone. Online appointment procedure costs 10 US dollars. Through the telephone you should call 0900 1-850055. It costs EUR 1.86/min from landline . Mobile phone providers might offer different tariffs. You can call and pay for the service using a credit card by calling +49 (0)9131-772-2270 You will be charged for the long-distance call and a EUR 15 service charge will be billed through your credit card.
http://germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/
http://germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/apply/
http://germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/step4/
Lithuania
There is no fee for scheduling an appointment with the consular officer. This is done by the internet webpage. Below are appropriate links.
http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html
https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=VIL&appcode=3
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_barcode.asp
https://evisaforms.state.gov/make_nocalendar.asp
Ukraine
To make an appointment with the consular officer you should call 044-207-7071. If calling from the United States, the telephone number is 1-888-826-2340. You must pay 12 US dollars for 8 minutes call and you must purchase a PIN.
http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/call_center_eng.html
Belarus
Issuing tourist visas is suspended because of limited number of diplomatic personnel.
http://minsk.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html
Russia
Visas to the USA are managed by the company Pony Express.
Polish-American Contributions To Our Nation
The United States of America is a country shaped by immigrants. All people that are citizens today have either come here themselves, or their ancestors came here, through immigration. Even the people known as "Native Americans" are immigrants that came here 10,000 years ago. Of these many peoples, one particular group has made many great contributions to this country. This group is the Polish-Americans. Through the history of the U.S., the Polish-Americans have made significant strides and accomplishments in politics, art, the military, and science.
Even though the greatest wave of Polish-Americans immigrated to this country from 1870 to 1920, Poles have been involved in America since even before there was a United States. There are reports of a Polish Legion attached to the English exploration in 1607. Also, a great number of Poles fought for the colonials in the American Revolution. The people of Poland identified with the American colonists’ struggle for independence, because they to were in a similar struggle during the 1770’s.
Despite discrimination from Anglo-Saxon, Protestant Americans, the Polish-Americans made the best of their new home, and flourished as a proud community. Polish-Americans never lost their ethnic identity. Family was the fundamental unit in their life. They also carried on the strong Polish Catholic tradition. One strong characteristic of the Polish-Americans was that they never forgot the struggles of their ancestors. Polish-Americans took a great interest in the affairs of their new country. The first Polish-American political club, the "Kosciuszko Club," established in 1871, had this motto, "A good Pole is a good American citizen."
Many Polish-Americans have accomplished great things in U.S. politics. Edmund Muskie-(Marciszewski) was a very successful U.S. politician. He was the first popularly elected Democratic Senator, and he served as a Senator in Maine for 22 years. He made two attempts at the White House; once in 1968 as vice-president on the Humphrey ticket, and in 1972 as a Democratic candidate for president. He later served the government as Secretary of State in 1980. Here he helped resolve the Iran hostage situation. He also served on the Tower Commission that probed the Iran-Contra scandal. Another successful Polish-American in politics was Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, who was one of the US’s leading foreign policy statesmen. He is a professor of American Foreign Policy at the Paul Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role in the normalization of relations between the U.S. and China. He also wrote many books on political philosophy.
In the American art world, there have been many accomplishments by Polish-Americans. A Polish-American sculptor and artist, Korczak Ziolkowski, is the creator of the statue of Crazy Horse in the Dakota Black Hills. He was also a member of the artist team that sculpted the heads of presidents on Mt. Rushmore. In one interview with him, Ziolkowski said, "Artistic talent is a gift given to you, it can very seldom be taught to you. Be bold. Always be bold. Know your subject until you feel your subject." Another Polish-American, Ed Paschke, was a contemporary painter, who was a featured Chicago Abstract Imagist. His style centers on elaborate masks and depersonalized, partial figures that exist in an airless world. Paschke’s subjects "exhibit this yearning to be understood, but their masks reveal no meaning(Daniels, pg.45)."
Throughout the history of the U.S., many Polish-Americans have served with honor in the military. Tadeusz Kosciuszko was a political leader and philosopher that served in the Colonial army against the British in the American Revolution. He was a great military strategist that set up the American defenses at the great Battle of Saratoga, the turning point of the Revolution. He also built West Point. He was also a patriot in his native homeland of Poland. The plaque upon his statue at the military academy reads "Hero of two worlds." Kosciuszko is also known as the "Pioneer of Negro Emancipation." Upon his death, he stipulated that all of his property and wealth should go toward "the charitable purposes of educating and emancipating as many children of bondage in this country as it should be adequate."
General Pulaski, a Pole, came to the aid of the Americans during the revolution, and gave his life in the Battle of Savanah. Wladimir B. Krzyzanowski was a Polish-American that fought for the Union in the Civil War. He organized a "Polish Legion," which was made up of Polish-Americans and Polish immigrants. He led a bayonet charge that won the battle of Cross Creek in 1862. At the battle of Groveton, Krzyzanowski’s troops captured part of "Stonewall" Jackson’s army. He also fought in the 2nd Bull Run and Chancellorsville. His "Polish Legion" lost more than 50% of its men at Gettysburgh on July 1st. He was the General that led the counter-offensive that saved Cemetery Ridge. He was later involved in the sieges of Chattanooga and Knoxville. After the war, Krzyzanowski worked in the U.S. Treasury Department, serving in the Reconstruction Districts of Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. He was also the Reconstruction governor of Alabama. He was elected the first Governor of Alaska. Krzyzanowski was also a champion of the "Women’s Revolution" and he spoke many times in favor of women’s suffrage.
In the field of science, many Polish-Americans have made great contributions. Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar, the fiber used in bullet proof vests, while working for DuPont in 1960. She was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Mrs. Kwolek has received 20 awards for her work and achievements in science. She has received the National Medal of Technology, the nation’s highest technology award, and she has also received the Perkin Award, the most prestigious award in the applied sciences. Bronislaw Malinowski, one of the founders of Cultural Anthropology, is famous for his research in the Trobriand Islands. He came up with the idea of four categories of myth: function and practice, context and meaning, anthropology and psychoanalysis, and conceptual mankind. He is known as one of America’s greatest universal thinkers. Stanislaw Ulam, a great mathematician, wrote many books on mathematics. He was one of the creators of the A-bomb and the H-bomb for the United States military.
As you can see, many Polish-Americans have made great contributions to our country. It is truly a great thing that these men and women never forgot their heritage. They worked so hard for the U.S., but never lost sight of their roots in Eastern Europe. Poland as a country has overcome so much, and so have the Polish people. The Polish-American people not only honor themselves and our country, but they honor the land of their ancestors as well. Many Polish-American groups help out the community on the daily, and in the future, many more Polish-Americans will contribute to our country, and lead the United States into the 21st Century.
Tadeusz Kosciuszko
(1746-1817)
Two hundred and fifty one years have passed since in February 1746, in the Eastern territories of the Kingdom of Poland, the man to whom these words are addressed was born. The man who was to become the symbol of alliance between countries so distant in space yet so close in their love of freedom.
A cadet of the Military Academy in Warsaw, an outstanding, educated in France engineer - strategist, a hero of the U.S. War of Independence, the commander-in-chief of the only Polish uprising to be named after its leader - Kosciuszko Rising.
Tadeusz Kosciuszko. This - how difficult for them a name - the American people have imprinted in gold onto the pages recording the dramatic history of the struggle for independence. History spanning the time from the moment when on October 18th 1776 the Leader of the Congress signed - with the words "... with great faith and trust in tour patriotism, virtues and loyalty ..." - Kosciuszko's nomination for the colonel of the American Army, till the day of November 25th, 1783 when General Kosciuszko accompanied the Commander-in-Chief George Washington on his triumphant return to New York.
On the great map of the United States of America there still shine with the glare of victory and faithful memory the battlefields where Kosciuszko fought. Saratoga - regarded as the "turning point" in the history of the War of Independence, fortified by "the young Polish engineer" that won the words of highest esteem from Horatio Gates, his commander.
West Point - the stronghold called by Washington "the most important post in America" where Tadeusz Kosciuszko, in the words of that supreme commander, had "chief direction and superintendence". The Yadkin and Dan rivers in North Carolina and Virginia where the crossing directed by Kosciuszko twice rescued the army from the enemy, compelling its commander, General Nathaneal Greene to call his chief engineer "one of the most helpful and congenial companions", stressing his "perseverance, determination, indefatigable efforts" as well as his "incomparable modesty".
"From one man we can have but one life" - wrote about Kosciuszko President Thomas Jefferson ' "and you gave us the most valuable and active part of yours, and we are now enjoying and improving its effects. Every sound American, sincere votary of freedom loves and honors you...".
The New York bridge that bears the name of Tadeusz Kosciuszko is crowned at the top with the emblems of both our states. They differ in shape but the symbol is the same. An eagle. American and Polish.
Tadeusz Kosciuszko came from a family of small landed gentry. He attended the Cadet School and in 1770 left for Paris to continue his studies. There, he became acquainted with the progressive ideology of the French Enlightenment. Poland was undergoing the first partition of 1772 when Kosciuszko was in France. In 1776 Kosciuszko left for America and took part in the fight for the freedom of the North American colonies.
Back in Poland in 1784, Kosciuszko helped organize the Polish Army which was enlarged by provisions contained in the statutes of the Four-Year Seym and participated in the 1792 war against Russia.
An armed insurrection broke out in Poland in 1794. Kosciuszko returned to the country and was appointed commander-in-chief of the armed forces with powers of a dictator.
On March 24th Kosciuszko took his oath in Cracow: "I swear to the whole Polish nation that I shall not use the power vested in me for private oppression but that I shall exercise this power only in the defense of the whole of the frontiers and to regain the independence of the Nation and to establish universal freedom". Wishing to draw the peasant masses into the fight for liberty, Kosciuszko proclaimed what is called the Po³aniec Universal in which he abolished serfdom, reduced the corvee - or unpaid labour for the lord - and freed peasants who served in the army from this duty.
After several victorious battles in October, 1794, the Polish forces suffered a defeat at Maciejowice. The commander, heavily wounded in the field, was taken prisoner. Kosciuszko remained in Russia as a prisoner until 1796. After his release Kosciuszko lived in the West.
Kosciuszko died in Switzerland in 1817. his body was brought to Poland and laid to rest in the royal crypt at Wawel Castle.
"The effusion of friendship and my warmest toward you which not time will alter. Your principles and dispositions were made to be honored, revered and loved. True to a single object, the freedom and happiness of man..." - so wrote the President of the United States Thomas Jefferson to his friend, American and Polish army general Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY, 2009 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
GENERAL PULASKI MEMORIAL DAY, 2009 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Each year on this day, Americans pause to remember a patriot and champion of liberty who fought valiantly for the freedom of our Nation. During our struggle for independence, General Casimir Pulaski displayed heroic leadership and ultimately sacrificed his life in service to our country. His commitment to liberty remains an inspiration to us today, 230 years later, and it serves as a reflection of the many contributions Polish Americans have made to our national identity.
Born in Poland in 1745, Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski witnessed the occupation of Poland by foreign troops during his youth. He joined the struggle for Polish independence in 1768, fighting alongside his father with unwavering determination. Despite the tremendous courage of Pulaski and his compatriots, the foreign forces prevailed and Poland was divided among three of its neighbors. The young Casimir Pulaski was exiled, and, while in Paris, met America's envoy to France, Benjamin Franklin, and learned of our nascent quest for independence.
Arriving in America during the summer of 1777, General Pulaski quickly earned a commission and led his troops with admirable skill in a number of important campaigns. He would eventually become known as the "Father of the American Cavalry." In 1779, Pulaski was mortally wounded during the siege of Savannah while trying to rally his troops under heavy enemy fire. Before laying down his life for the United States, this Polish and American hero had earned a reputation for his idealism and his courageous spirit.
Pulaski's ideals live on today in the many Polish-American communities across the country. These neighborhoods continue to celebrate Polish culture, while adding immeasurably to our national identity. Their contributions have expanded our collective knowledge, pushing the boundaries of science, business, and the arts. With each passing year, the cooperation between the United States and Poland grows, supported by the dedication and commitment of Polish Americans to our shared history. Today, as we remember General Pulaski, we celebrate our strong friendship with Poland, and honor those Americans of Polish heritage.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, October 11, 2009, as General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans to commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs and activities paying tribute to Casimir Pulaski and honoring all those who defend the freedom of our great Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
Parade of West Point Cadets and remembrance ceremony during the 262nd Anniversary of the Birth of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, which took place in West Point at April 26, 2008.
This video was created by Piotr Kajstura.
Norman Davies on Polish history
Casimir Pulaski was born in Podalia, Poland, on March 4, 1747. He had five sisters and two brothers. His father gave him a pony when he was five years old and a horse when he was eight years old. As a child, Casimir learned how to shoot a bulls-eye while riding a horse. His father sent him to Warsaw to go to school. Then his father sent him to the Court of Courtland to be a page for the Duke of Courtland. While Pulaski was there, the Russians took over Courtland, so Casimir had to return to Warsaw.
Pulaski's father organized a group called The Knights of the Holy Cross. The Knights fought against the Russians, because the Russians were trying to take over Poland. Pulaski recruited men to be in the Knights, and he fought with the Knights. They fought bravely against the Russians, but they lost. Casimir and the rest of the Knights were captured and sent to prison. Then he was banished from Poland. He went to Turkey. He and his father and his brothers trained men to fight against Russia. The Russians tried to capture them, but Pulaski escaped back to Poland, even though he had been banished from there.
When he got to Cracow, Poland, Pulaski joined the Polish Revolutionary Confederates who were trying to fight against the Russians. He fought bravely and he helped the Confederates win the Battle of Kukielki, which forced the Russians to leave Poland. He was a hero to the Polish people, but later, the king of Poland, King Stanislaus, turned against him, and he had to flee Poland again.
Image courtesy of ArtToday.
Pulaski decided to go to America to help the colonists fight against the British. He got in touch with Benjamin Franklin, who was in Paris. Franklin gave him money to get to America and told the American Congress and George Washington about Casimir Pulaski.
After he got to America, Pulaski found General Washington in Philadelphia. Washington got the Congress to put Casimir Pulaski in charge of the American Cavalry. Near Brandywine, he saw the British planning a trap around the Americans. He led a charge against the British and defeated the trap. He was a hero to the Americans for saving them from the trap.
Pulaski trained men for the American Cavalry and the infantry. He wanted to start a special legion. The Congress gave him permission. He trained them to be experts on horseback. He led them to battle in New York City. On the way to New York, they had to pass through New Jersey. At Little Egg Harbor, they burned twenty British ships and took all their ammunition. Unfortunately, some of Pulaski 's friends died in the battle.
Casimir Pulaski and his Legion rode south to Charleston to help the people there fight against the British. They went after the British as they tried to escape to sea. Casimir and his men won again, capturing many British troops and supplies. Then Pulaski and his troops went to Savannah to try to capture the city from the British. As they were planning, an American soldier named James Curry informed the British of their plans, so the British were ready for the attack. Because of this, the Americans lost the battle and Casimir Pulaski got shot during the battle. He was badly wounded. The wounds became infected, and he became sick and died. He died on October 11, 1779. He was only 32 years old.
It was a very important thing that the hero Casimir Pulaski came to defend the colonies in the fight against Great Britain, and that is why children in Illinois get a holiday off from school on the first Monday of March. We honor the memory of Casimir Pulaski.
Polonez - Pan Tadeusz
Casimir Pulaski (1745?-1779) is a hero of two countries, Poland and the United States. Pulaski (in Polish: Kazimierz Pulawski) was born in a small town near Warsaw, Poland during the mid-1740s. In 1768, Pulaski and his father Jozef founded the Confederation of the Bar to defend Poland against the aggressive Russian forces, which later arrested and killed Casimir's father. Unable to prevent the partition of Poland, Pulaski left Poland and lived in exile in Turkey and the Balkans between 1772 and 1775, and then to Paris where he met Benjamin Franklin. Franklin convinced him to support the colonies against England in the American Revolution.
Pulaski impressed with the ideals of a new nation struggling to be free, volunteered his services. In 1777, Pulaski arrived in Philadelphia where he met General Washington, Commander-in -Chief of the Continental Army. Later at Brandywine, he came to the aid of Washington's forces and distinguished himself as a brilliant military tactician. For his efforts, Congress appointed him Brigadier-General in charge of Four Horse Brigades. Then again, at the battles of Germantown and Valley Forge, Pulaski's knowledge of warfare assisted Washington and his men.
Later in 1778, through Washington's intervention, Congress approved the establishment of the Cavalry and put Pulaski at its head. The Father of the American Cavalry demanded much of his men and trained them in tested cavalry tactics. He used his own personal finances, when money from Congress was scarce, in order to assure his forces of the finest equipment and personal safety.
Pulaski and his legion were then ordered to defend Little Egg Harbor in New Jersey and Minisink on the Delaware and then south to Charleston, South Carolina. However, it was at the battle of Savannah in 1779 that General Pulaski, riding forth into battle on his horse, fell to the ground mortally wounded by the blast of cannon.
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