Delaware General Assembly


CHAPTER 495

STATE OF DELAWARE

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the great Count Casimir Pulaski attempted to lead a revolt of peasants of his native Poland against the Russians in 1771; and

WHEREAS, the failure of this bold plan resulted in the defeat of his small army, the confiscation of his estates and his being outlawed, after which he fled to Paris; and

WHEREAS, he there met Dr. Benjamin Franklin and expressed a strong desire to help the young republic of the United States to win its Independence from Great Britain; and

WHEREAS, in 1777 Count Pulaski came to America, joined the Army under General Washington and was commissioned a general in command of cavalry which, despite many obstacles, greatly strengthened the Continental forces; and

WHEREAS, while leading the brave men of his Legion in battle at the siege of Savannah, Georgia, he was mortally wounded on October 11, 1779 in the cause of American independence, it is proper that the sacrifice of this young nobleman and his companions should be perpetuated in the minds of our citizens;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Walter W. Bacon, Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 11, 1948, as

GENERAL PULASKI'S MEMORIAL DAY

and urge that all citizens of the State of Delaware honor the memory of this gallant patriot who gave his all for the cause of American independence.

(GREAT SEAL)

and the Great Seal of the State of Delaware has been hereunto affixed by the Secretary of State, at Dover, on this first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and forty-eight and in the year of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-third.

By the Governor:

WALTER W. BACON

WILLIAM J. STOREY, Secretary of State.