As every year on the first Monday in March, Illinois celebrates Pulaski Day. The holiday, established in 1986 by then-Governor James R. Thomson, is meant to remember “Polish and American heroes.”

Pulaski, one of the commanders and a marshal, is considered a hero of the American War of Independence, and is also called the “father of the American cavalry.”

Casimir Pulaski fought in the ranks of George Washington’s army in the War of American Independence from 1777 to 1779, holding the rank of brigadier general of the Continental Army. In 1778 he formed a legion of cavalry, at the head of which he won a victory over the English at the Battle of Charleston (May 10, 1779). He died on October 11, 1779 as a result of wounds sustained during the siege of Savannah.