Veterans Day: Obama signs Kucinich resolution for Pulaski citizenship

Just before Veterans Day, President Barack Obama signed Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich's resolution to grant Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski honorary posthumous citizenship for his service during the American Revolutionary War.

"This is a proud moment for Poles across the United States and in Poland and reaffirms the historic and strong ties between our two great nations. This is a powerful reminder of the freedom and courage of the people of Poland," said Kucinich.

General Pulaski left his native Poland and fought on the side of the colonists against the British in the American Revolution. George Washington bestowed the rank of Brigadier General on Pulaski, who organized a legion of cavalry known as the Pulaski legion.

Pulaski is credited with being the "Father of the American Cavalry."

He famously said, "I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it."

After fighting bravely at Brandywine and ejecting the British occupiers from Charleston, Brigadier General Pulaski, who was only 35, was mortally wounded in Savannah, Georgia and was taken aboard the American ship USS Wasp, where he died at sea on October 11, 1779.

Kucinich said all Americans, especially those of Polish descent, should know and respect the name and accomplishments of General Pulaski.

"Pulaski made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and he deserves nothing but the highest honor and recognition for his service," Kucinich said. "I can think of no better way to do that than to bestow on him posthumous citizenship."

Since 1985, Oct. 11 has been observed in Ohio as "General Pulaski Memorial Day," in honor of his contributions to Poland and the United States.

Nationally, Pulaski Day is observed on the first Monday in March.

It's estimated that more than 225,000 Poles live in Northeast Ohio. About 50 religious and cultural organizations and churches serve the local community.

Congress has previously granted honorary U.S. citizenship posthumously only five times, most recently to the Marquis de Lafayette in 2002.

Lafayette was a Frenchman who, like Pulaski, fought courageously on the side of America during the Revolutionary War.

Kucinich first introduced this legislation in 2005.