Community Corner

Bethel's First Casimir Pulaski Day Celebration

On Monday morning, there will be an hour long celebration of Pulaski Day.

 

Bethel will be celebrating it's first ever Casimir Pulaski Day on Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at P.T. Barnum Square in downtown Bethel. The event, organized by Billy Michael, will be celebrated with a short speech by Selectman Paul Szatkowski who said, “This is a celebration of an American, and of the contributions of Polish citizens in this country.”

 The day is celebrated in states and cities throughout the US for the contribution Count Pulaski made during the Revolutionary War.  Pulaski was appointed commander of the calvary by Congress, and became known as the father of the American Calvary for his ability to organize the Revolutionary War forces, according to a website for the Polish American Center in Philadelphia.  Pulaski also saved George Washington's life and led the calvary to victories in several battles.

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 Pulaski came to the United States from Poland, where he had been a commander in the forces against Russian domination. Banned for his actions by Russia, Pulaski relocated to Paris where he met Benjamin Franklin, who encouraged him to come to the US and fight for US independence, according to the Polish American Center.

 Because of Pulaski's efforts to assist the country, often through his own funding, he was one of only seven people in US history to be given honorary citizenship.

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 Michael said that the Polish community in Bethel was inspired to host the event  after last year's Columbus Day celebration.

 Horses loaned by Ed Prybylski, owner of the Happy Trails Farm in Danbury, will participate in the parade. Riders will be dressed as George Washington and Polaski, and the Polish Flag will be raised. Both the American and Polish National anthems will be played.


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