380 State Papers and Addresses

LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE OF THE MONUMENT
TO GENERAL PULASKI

Patterson Park, May 4, 1941
Baltimore

TODAY'S occasion, which marks the laying of the cornerstone* of the monu-
ment to General Casimir Pulaski, is one that will bring gratification to the
hearts of not only Americans of Polish descent, but of every real American.

We pay honor, and rightly so, to our military and naval heroes of American
birth who have distinguished themselves on the field of battle in defense of our
Country. How much more should we, therefore, pay outstanding honor to a
patriot, not of American birth, who voluntarily and because of his desire to see
that freedom was enjoyed by all nations of the world, joined with our infant
Country in its struggle for freedom, and made the supreme sacrifice by laying
down his life. v

General Casimir Pulaski v. as of noble birth, a man of wealth, and a gentle-
man in the truest sense. No mere soldier of fortune was he, seeking adventure
wherever he might find it. In coming to the American Colonies to assist our
valiant forefathers in their struggle for independence, he was merely respond-
. ing to an instinct of the heroic people from whom he sprang.

The people of Poland traditionally had fought for the liberation of oppress-
ed nations throughout the world. And it was in keeping with this tradition that
Casimir Pulaski rushed to the support of General George Washington.

Not only did he contribute his personal services, but he contributed gener-
ously of his material wealth, his soldierly attainments and military experience.
He made the outstanding contribution of a noble soul, and the loftiness of an
ideal—the ideal of freedom for all peoples, everywhere.

So thoroughly were the abilities and the bravery of Casimir Pulaski ap-
preciated by our Colonial military authorities, that he soon was accorded the
rank of General, and placed in command of the Cavalry forces of the Conti-
nental Army. It is one of the tragedies of our struggle for independence that
this Polish-born American patriot never was destined to see the attainment of
his ideal of freedom for this Country. On October 11, 1779, he fell, mortally
wounded, leading a cavalry charge on the City of Savannah. He died as he
had lived, in the pursuit of an ideal. His accomplishments won for him im-
mortal fame, and the undying gratitude of the American people.

It is truly fitting that the people of Maryland, one of the States that knew
the achievements of General Pulaski, should assist in the erection to him of
this lasting tribute of honor and esteem.

In doing honor to the memory of General Pulaski, we desire also to ex-
press our gratitude to all of the Polish people, those born in Poland who have
come to our State and those fine citizens of Polish blood and extraction whom
we are pleased to include in our citizenry.