Senate Resolution No. 3594

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMEMORATING the 80th Anniversary of the Pulaski
Day Parade in Cheektowaga, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
80th Anniversary of the Pulaski Day Parade in Cheektowaga, New York; and

WHEREAS, Since World War II, Western New York has celebrated the man
who once saved George Washington's life by throwing a parade in his
honor; and

WHEREAS, Kazimierz "Casimir" Pulaski was a Polish nobleman, soldier,
and military commander who has been called the father of the American
cavalry; and

WHEREAS, After a failed coup in Poland, Casimir Pulaski came to
America on the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin and was added to
George Washington's army during the American Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, Casimir Pulaski distinguished himself throughout the
revolution, most notably when he saved the life of George Washington;
furthermore, his military training and prowess with horse-based tactics
helped to win some crucial battles for American independence; and

WHEREAS, Becoming a general in the Continental Army, Casimir Pulaski
also created the Pulaski Cavalry Legion and reformed the American
cavalry as a whole; and

WHEREAS, At the Battle of Savannah in 1779, while leading a daring
charge against British forces, Casimir Pulaski was gravely wounded, and
died shortly thereafter; and

WHEREAS, Casimir Pulaski is remembered as a hero who fought for
independence and freedom in both Poland and the United States; his
legacy is celebrated in multiple cities with large Polish populations,
and his death is also commemorated at the federal level on October 9th;
and

WHEREAS, The Pulaski Day Parade was originally scheduled in
mid-October, and its route brought marchers through the
Broadway-Fillmore business district; and

WHEREAS, This renowned event became a campaign spot for politicians
seeking to gain attention for upcoming elections, with such high profile
individuals as Nelson Rockefeller, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford and John F.
Kennedy; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, the Pulaski Day Parade moved times and locations
to coincide with the Cheektowaga Polish American Arts Festival; and

WHEREAS, The treasured values of family unity and wholesome
entertainment for all ages are reflected in the Pulaski Day Parade, an
event which helps to foster community spirit and cooperation and
preserves the beliefs, ideals and values upon which this great State and
nation were founded; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Pulaski Day Parade in
Cheektowaga, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Pulaski Day Parade Committee, Cheektowaga, New York.