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HOUSE BILL 2378
By Doggett
SENATE BILL 2391
By Hensley
SB2391
011593
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AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15,
Chapter 2, relative to a day of special observance
to celebrate Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski.
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1745, was a
renowned military commander and a dedicated champion of liberty who fought courageously
against tyranny in both his homeland and the United States; and
WHEREAS, following a meeting with Benjamin Franklin in Paris, Casimir Pulaski arrived
in Philadelphia in 1777, offering his services to the Continental Army with the famous
declaration to General George Washington: "I came here, where freedom is being defended, to
serve it, and to live or die for it"; and
WHEREAS, General Pulaski demonstrated extraordinary valor at the Battle of
Brandywine, where he led a daring charge that is credited with saving the life of General George
Washington and preventing a rout of the American forces; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of General Pulaski's military prowess and leadership, the
Continental Congress appointed him a Brigadier General and authorized the formation of an
independent corps of cavalry and light infantry, known as the Pulaski Legion, earning him the
enduring title of "Father of the American Cavalry"; and
WHEREAS, on October 9, 1779, while leading a cavalry charge against British forces
during the Siege of Savannah, General Pulaski was mortally wounded, and subsequently
passed away on October 11, 1779, making the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of American
independence; and
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WHEREAS, the memory of General Pulaski is woven into the history and geography of
this State, most notably through the City of Pulaski, the county seat of Giles County,
Tennessee, which was named in his honor to memorialize his heroism; and
WHEREAS, October 11 is federally recognized as General Pulaski Memorial Day, and it
is fitting that the State of Tennessee formally sets aside this day to honor his legacy, celebrate
the contributions of Polish-Americans to our State, and remember the price paid for our nation's
freedom; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this day be commemorated with
suitable patriotic and public exercises in observing and commemorating the death of this great
American hero of the Revolutionary War; now, therefore,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, is amended by adding
the following as a new section:
October 11 of each year is to be observed as "General Pulaski Memorial Day."
This day is not a legal holiday as defined in § 15-1-101.
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.