So when is National Vocabulary Day, huh?
Word.
In Chicago, the first Monday in March is Casimir Pulaski Day, in honor of the immigrant Polish cavalry officer who became known as "the father of the American cavalry" during the Revolution. There is also a federal observance for him on October 11, which is the day in 1779 when he died in the Siege of Savannah.
What else have we missed recently?
I know of Casimir Pulaski! I lived in Savannah for some years. There's a fort named after him guarding the approaches of the Savannah river to the city, one that saw a brief action during the Civil War. It was well-constructed by the standards of its day, but unfortunately for the defenders, shortly after it was designed and built rifled cannon were invented. They proved to be far superior to its fortifications, which expected only to face the earlier generations of smoothbore. With the magazine breached, the fort had to be surrendered after a short bombardment by US Naval forces.
ReplyDeletePulaski is one of the guys I really admire. He was a nobleman by birth (though noble but untitled in his own country, Ben Franklin wrote letters addressing him as "Count"), but enamored of the ideals of American liberty and equality. He came and fought for us, and died with us, rather than defending the privileges of his rank (or even just simply enjoying them from afar).
He also has a square named after him in Savannah, and a towering monument.
I remember Pulaski from the Taxpayer March on Washington. His statue was pretty much at the starting point for the march down Pennsylvania Avenue. Seemed fitting at the time.
ReplyDeleteThat's the funniest and wittiest Weird Al video/song that I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteThat's the funniest and wittiest Weird Al video/song that I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteWhile it's definitely witty and funny, I have trouble deciding on a best Weird Al parody. They're all good.