Commemorates the birth of Casimir Pulaski, an American Revolutionary War hero known as the Father of the American Cavalry. He was born in Poland on March 6 (previously thought to be March 4), 1747. Pulaski fought against Russian interference with his country. The movement failed, however, and he was forced into exile.
In 1777, Pulaski joined George Washington’s army to help the American colonists gain their independence; he was soon appointed brigadier general of the cavalry. In 1778, he formed a special infantry and cavalry unit, later called the Pulaski Legion. In 1779, his legion went south to aid the American forces there. On October 9, he was wounded during a battle in Savannah, Georgia. Pulaski died from his injuries on October 15 (previously thought to be October 11).
Casimir Pulaski Day is observed on the first Monday in March in Illinois. (There is also a General Pulaski Memorial Day, observed by U.S. presidential proclamation on October 11 each year.)
The term "red-letter day" originates with the tradition of marking holy days in a church calendar in red. We use the term here to designate days of special significance in each month -- holidays, astronomical happenings, anniversaries of historic events, and days with memorable folklore attached. Information is drawn from the library of The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Every month you'll find a calendar of these "red-letter days" on the front page of Almanac.com.
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