Monday, March 02, 2009

HAPPY CASIMIR PULASKI DAY*



Today marks the birthday of Revolutionary War hero, who was born JMP Kazimierz Michał Wacław Wiktor Pułaski herbu Ślepowron on March 4, 1745 in Poland. A General in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, he trained US soldiers and oversaw the cavalry. He was under the command of George Washington and, according to some, was rather arrogant.


In Chicago - which used to have the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw - it means there is no school today.

The libraries are closed.

Cook County employees have the day off.

And morning yoga has been canceled.

Sadly there is no special pastry to commemorate this event.






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*This holiday is not to be confused with the federal holiday, General Pulaski Memorial Day, which commemorates Pulaski's death at the Siege of Savannah on October 11, 1779.




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The video features the song by Sufjan Stephens, from his album Illinois, about a girlfriend of his who died on Casimir Pulaski Day. Big Black beat him to the punch with 1988's "Kasimir S. Pulaski Day" - which also has a driving theme. Lyrics here.

1 comment:

  1. that is one of my favorite songs ever. the sufjan stevens one, that is. you should pick a pastry to commemorate the day. chruscik?

    ReplyDelete