TLS as president, one page, 6.5 x 9.5, White House letterhead, August 29, 1956. Typed proclamation, signed as president, one page, 6.5 x 9.5, White House letterhead, dated August 29, 1956. Addressed to “The Polish Legion of American Veterans,” proclamation reads: “My greetings to the Polish Legion of American Veterans and its ladies Auxiliary as they meet in their Thirteenth Joint Bi-Annual National convention and commemorate the heroic service of the American patriot, Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, who gave his life in a cavalry charge for freedom at Savannah.
Nor should we forget another Pole who fought for freedom in America and in his native land, Thaddeus Kosciusko. In his life career, the freedom of both America and Poland is forever joined. This unity is recalled to every Washington visitor who stands by the statue of General Kusciusko in the park opposite the White House. In memory of thousands of brave Poles and Americans who gave their lives for freedom, I send best wishes to you for a successful Convention.”
Boldly signed at the conclusion by Eisenhower. Letter is removably archivally sleeved in acid-free Mylar. In fine condition, with some scattered light toning and soiling, mainly to lower portion.
After World War I, various groups of American veterans of Polish descent formed organizations to maintain and preserve the spirit of fraternity and patriotism that came from serving in the armed forces. Dubbed the ‘Polish Legion,’ their name evolved from the cavalry group called ‘Pulaski's Legion’ the general had created during the Revolution. As noted by Eisenhower, Pulaski was killed in Savannah as he rushed to the rescue of a French commander overrun by that city’s British defenders. Kosciuszko was an engineer who designed and built the first fortifications at West Point on the Hudson River, and whose ‘Last Will and Testament’ directed that any money from the sale of his property be used by Thomas Jefferson, his executor, ‘in purchasing Negroes from among his own or any other and giving them liberty in my name.’ Praiseworthy document as the president, and former general, calls attention to those officers who came before him, particularly Pulaski and the somewhat lesser-known Kosciuszko, whose contribution to America “is recalled to every Washington visitor who stands by the statue of General Kusciusko in the park opposite the White House.” RRAuction COA.
