As you enjoy this Monday at home, curled up in bed, eating chips, or scrolling endlessly through your phone, take a minute to think of the Revolutionary War hero who gave you this amazing opportunity: 

Casimir was born in Warsaw, Poland. After several years of involvement in Polish diplomacy, he was exiled following a battle against foreign involvement in Poland. This trend of fighting against foreign power continued after Benjamin Franklin recommended that Pulaski come to America to fight against British rule. 

Of his many accomplishments in the Revolutionary War, the most notable was that he was reported to have saved George Washington’s life! So, you can also thank Pulaski for the first president of the United States. 

Pulaski suffered grave wounds during the Siege of Savannah and died on the battlefield. He earned the titles ‘The Father of American Cavalry’ and ‘The Soldier of Liberty.’ He is among the few, just eight individuals, to receive honorary United States Citizenship. 

Fun Facts about Pulaski:

• • Scientists think Pulaski might have been intersex, as his skeleton displayed several female characteristics, including a female pelvis. They believe that this unique condition was caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
  • Pulaski has a monument in Savannah, Georgia.
  • Illinois is the only state to celebrate Pulaski Day because of the state’s large Polish Heritage. 
  • Barack Obama was the president who granted Pulaski honorary citizenship.

• Mohega, an opera composed by Eduard Sobolewski, is about the last days of Pulaski’s life.

• Age of Empires III references Casimir Pulaski. 

• Pulaski captured a British outpost while sick with malaria. 

So, as you spend your day at home, maybe cuddling with a pet or enjoying a new book, consider watching “America’s Hidden Stories”: The General was Female?, a documentary about this heroic war general. Maybe even listen to Mohega, if opera is your thing. 

However you choose to spend this day off, just remember to be grateful for Casimir Pulaski, who sacrificed his life for our liberty.