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* It’s Casimir Pulaski Day. Do you care? Explain.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:30 pm
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No. It’s a made up holiday in honor of a relatively minor figure for political reasons. No other state celebrates it, and for good reason.
Comment by Excessively Rabid Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:33 pm
Perogies for everyone! Actually I forgot to wear my Red and White today…damn! Sen. LeRoy Lemke, the father of Casmir Pulaski Day was incredibly proud of this holiday, although I doubt there are very many people who know of Pulaski’s contributions in the Revolutionary War.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:34 pm
I care, only because it gives me a self-serving opportunity to show off when people say, “I bet you don’t even know who Casmir Pulaski is.”
Comment by MKA1985 Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:36 pm
I am at work. So no I don’t care.
Comment by John A Logan Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:36 pm
Not really, but being of Irish descent makes it hard for me to complain.
Comment by Way Way Down Here Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:46 pm
Definitely. I enjoy the stares I receive while wearing casimir on Pulaski Avenue, and I’m grateful I don’t get robbed.
Comment by power to the people Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:46 pm
Poland is incredibly important to US Foreign Policy, so, yes. http://www.stratfor.com/nextdecade
Comment by Geopolitical Realities Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:46 pm
If I have to work, then heck no I don’t care. This is just a day to make parent’s lives difficult while they figure out what to do with the kids.
Comment by A.B. Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:46 pm
Not even a little bit. It is almost completely irrelevant outside of Chicago/Cook.
Excessively Rabid: I am pretty sure it is observed in Wisconsin, too.
Comment by Obamarama Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:48 pm
Does anyone know if other cities (like Los Angeles, New York, Dallas) have ‘city specific’ holidays?
Just wondering…
Comment by Louis Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:50 pm
I believe that it is a needed day of remembrance. I believe that Chicago has the largest Polish population of any city outside of Poland. The Poles have contributed greatly to this United State of America. While Casimir Pulaski might have been a minor figure he is a representitive of this ethnic group and his day should be observed. Some Italians claim Columbus day as their day and other groups have days, even months, to remember their cultures. So yes, this is a day that should be celebrated.
After all, not everyone can be Irish.
Comment by Irish Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:51 pm
I absolutely care. I just wish my law school would recognize it & give us the day off.
Comment by David W. Aubrey Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:53 pm
Pulaski’s life makes a ripping good yarn (saved George Washington’s life, among other things), but I’m for fewer days off of school. For my own kids, no days off of school.
A huge pet peeve I have is when the kids get a holiday off of school and the libraries are closed, too.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:53 pm
Not really, but it sure made my commute easier today, so there’s that.
If we could just get the public employees to take their furlough days at the same time, we could really save some traffic congestion. Can I suggest all furlough days be taken on Fridays this summer? That could cut some serious time off the Chicago area commute schedule.
Just a thought.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:54 pm
It is nice and I am glad we celebrate it. While I am not Polish, I am glad that in the city with the highest population of poles outside of Warsaw recognizes Pulaski’s important contribution to this country. He is why the US Cavalry colors are red and white.
I do have to smile when I see some people wearing their red and white today because I know why they wear it.
Comment by Richard Afflis Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:55 pm
A lot of places, of course, don’t celebrate Pulaski Day.
But, then again, a lot of places down south celebrate Robert E. Lee’s birthday. And that dude was on the losing side.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:55 pm
The honoree should be Koscziusko, rather than Pulaski. Savannah, Georgia has a very nice park named after Pulaski.
Comment by Kyle Orton's Neck Beard Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:57 pm
When we have a chance to remember a hero who gave his life for our freedom, it is a good day. Pulaski counties appear across the eastern, southern, midwestern US states because when those counties were being settled, citizens remembered the man who died for our freedom.
Heros from past wars are forgotten too easily. Remembering them should not be considered a political act. Rather it should be considered the act of a considerate people who do not overlook their blessed gifts of life and liberty.
He was a great man. Once a year we should remember his great sacrifice.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 1:59 pm
Casmir Pulaski is an important historical figure, but I question as to whether his contributions during the American Revolutionary War rate a state holiday. Pulaski is honored elsewhere in the USA, particularly in the South, by having counties, cities, parks, statues and streets named after him. There is a county named for Pulaski in Southern Illinois. I am all in favor of that. As for the Illinois holiday, it is not really necessary.
Strangest example of Illinois political pandering, stretches of Pulaski Road (renamed by former Chicago Mayor Edward Kelly to placate Polish Democratic voters) have been designated with Chicago’s honorary brown street signs as Casmir Pulaski Road. Talk about governmental redundancy, so some local aldermen could issue a press release and have a picture taken.
Comment by Honest Abe Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:05 pm
When I travel overseas, I feel gratitude when I discover a nation honoring those whose fame has not reach the international recognition of Lady Gaga. It shows me a nation with a recognition and respect for the sacrifices made by others. It shows me a level of maturity too often lacking back in the States.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:05 pm
Sure,
it reminds me that Spring is here and Saint Patrick’s Day is coming up.
Comment by EamongoBragh Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:06 pm
Not really. Only reason I knew it was because I was in the Drs. office and one of the people there had all the kids since school was out.
But I’m sure the people in MT. Pulaski care.
Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:07 pm
It does families and people in general no service to have holidays which are celebrated by very few and inconvenience so many. I’m not sure how many parents had to go to work today while praying their kids will be alright left alone-but it was substantial.
I’m not picking on Pulaski. We should still have a day for celebration but it does not have to be a day off. Even St. Patrick’s day is a work day. A drunk one-but still a work day.
This country really needs to re-evaluate our holidays and make them apply for all.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:14 pm
I live in the south suburbs, I celebrate Corey Crawford day instead.
Comment by Frank Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:19 pm
No. I care not.
Who remembers me? It’s always my wife and her cake they remember.
Comment by Louis XVI Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:20 pm
I used to love the random holiday when I was in elementary school, but now that I’m in college and working, I don’t care so much since I’m working
Comment by Publius Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:28 pm
As usual, 47 nailed it. I care because it made my commute easier.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:30 pm
Remembering history is always good. However, taking a day off from schools to do so is often counter-productive. Pulaski is no MLK and does not warrant a day off. Besides, there’s no time to teach about him cuz he’s not on “the test” (/snark).
Comment by D.P. Gumby Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:36 pm
Is it Pulaski Day or Crawford Day? I cant remember which.
Comment by WRMNpolitics Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 2:48 pm
I care, but only so much as it makes me believe other equally important ethnic groups are not recognized in a similar manner. Irish and German decendants make up much more of the State’s population, but we’re all forced to go to work the day after Oktoberfest and St. Patrick’s Day.
Comment by ANON Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 3:00 pm
As 47th said, the commute was easier from the 47th Ward today, so I care.
I also like the idea of pooling public employee furlough days, but my vote is for Mondays
Comment by Thoughts... Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 3:02 pm
Isn’t tomorrow Paczki Day? An even better Polish holiday, IMO.
Comment by Cheryl44 Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 3:05 pm
Yes, I use to get it off for school.
Comment by Ahoy Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 3:10 pm
Nope and I havent cared since I was 16 and my high school stopped giving it off as a holiday.
Comment by RMW Stanford Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 3:10 pm
Boston has a kind of equivalent ethnic-origin holiday, but it’s disguised. “Evacuation Day” commemorates the British evacuation from Boston during the Revolution. Why is it celebrated? It happens to fall on March 17.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 3:19 pm
Considering the closest CP came to IL was Savannah, GA…the most ridiculous State Holiday ever! No wonder the GA are in such turmoil; they cannot even get a hero right!
Comment by South of 80 Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 3:32 pm
What did he do again? Is that the forensic audit obsessed guy?
Comment by just sayin' Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 3:39 pm
Worst. Holiday. Ever.
Schools are out and you’re stuck trying to find a place for the kids to go and you still have to go to work.
Since he as a member of the Bar Confederation and fought in the Battle of Brandywine, I vote that Illinois name the state drink after him instead.
Comment by 13 Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 3:47 pm
No since I am no longer a federal employee and do not get the day off.
EVERYONE wants to be Irish on St. Paddy’s Day but I don’t see people running around today claiming to be Polish.
Comment by Because I say so Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 3:53 pm
@Excessively Rabid: relatively minor? Casimir is acclaimed as the “the father of American cavalry”, fought the Russians for much the same reason we would doing the Cold War, i.e. gobbling up parts of Europe, and he died for our country - geez folks, lighten up …
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 4:06 pm
@Excessively Rabid: relatively minor? Casimir is acclaimed as the “the father of American cavalry”, fought the Russians for much the same reason we would doing the Cold War, i.e. gobbling up parts of Europe, and he died for our country - geez folks, lighten up …
Comment by globalguy Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 4:07 pm
globalguy, the ignorance of CP’s legacy may show that the holiday has not succeeded in educating the populace about his importance. Or, people just don’t much care about historical figures who aren’t on their teevee. I dunno. Just sayin…
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 4:09 pm
He should have a holiday, but it doesn’t rate a day off for school or government when we already have Memorial and Veteren’s Day to celebrate our war heroes, which are all soldiers whom have served, in my book.
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 4:13 pm
Nope - don’t care. When my kids were small & I had to find a babysitter for this “holiday”, it used to make me a little upset…especially when Good Friday wasn’t observed. He may have been a guy of some historical importance, but it’s not a state or federal holiday…so why do the schools get it off?
Comment by Southern Illinois Voter Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 4:17 pm
@Rich, I agree with your observation regarding general ignorance but not with your assumption that the primary task of holidays is to educate. I see this particular one as a small gesture made to pay back a debt of honor. I guess I’m old fashioned that way!
Comment by globalguy Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 4:32 pm
yes, it’s Pazcki Day Eve!
Comment by amalia Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 4:51 pm
As a Polish immigrant living in Chicago for almost 10 years I finally start to appreciate this holiday. It makes me hopeful! Immigrants are the fabric of this nation and it’s great to see that after so many years we still recognize the sacrifice that was made by those who were here before us.
On a separate note: it should be Kosciuszko Day, but since it’s impossible to properly pronounce Tadeusz’s first and last name they picked Pulaski.
Comment by Monika Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 5:06 pm
@Southern Illinois Voter:
Good Friday used to be a government holiday in parts of Illinois until someone filed a lawsuit.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 5:48 pm
Yes, love it. The government area of the loop is a lot less crowded.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 6:14 pm
A friend of mine was unclear about Pulaski Day, and asked me:
“What’s all this about the kids getting a day off from school to celebrate Roman Polanski day?”
After facepalming, I explained to him who Pulaski was, and that the arguably most Polish city in America, with more Poles than any place but (maybe) Warsaw, wanted a day to celebrate and commemorate our heritage, and we got it. Just like Columbus Day, St. Pat’s etc. I think it is great, but I am disappointed that the schools affected by the holiday spend no time as far as I can tell in telling the kids anything about it. We make the kids study MLK for a whole month in February, Washington and the Presidents for a week, and I’m fine with all of that, I just think they could spare fifteen minutes once a year to explain Pulaski Day to the kids the day before they get a vacation day. It might spark some further discussion and exploration of ethnic heritage in general, which is good for everyone. After all, how do you know where you’re going, if you don’t know where you came from? I find people that have no knowledge or curiosity about their heritage to be very sad individuals generally. They seem to live in a bubble of the immediate moment only.
Comment by Polish Guy Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 6:20 pm
Polish folk (in Chicago at least) also celebrate their National Constitution day in May, with a parade and everything. It is on that day you’re more likely to see the clothing and personal expressions of ethnic pride.
You’ll probably see a lot of folks tonight at bars and clubs on Milwaukee Avenue, hoisting some cold Pivo and maybe dancing a polka or polonaise.
I’m getting ready for paczki’s tomorrow, and prepping my super-soaker for “Dingus Day”. (look it up, it’s nothing dirty)
Comment by Pivo drinker Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 6:25 pm
I work with injured servicemembers coming back, and there is conjecture that the general public (read: fat) doesn’t care about the plight of these men and women cuz it doesn’t impact the everyday life (like the refresh button does)
Pulaski represents more than any of us could conjure in this medium…
it’s so unfortunate Illinoisans don’t know of our history - as we mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s first Inaugural and 1/20 commenters appreciate what he went through to achieve his vision…
and here you are complaining about your freaking commute
yikes people… yikes
Comment by 21st State Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 9:43 pm
As an adult, was neither here nor there, really–until a recent conversation on the train with a “big guy” with an even bigger heart and sense of humor that started as we were passing by the Copernicus Center a couple of months ago. He mentioned that he thought he’d seen me at the National Constitution Day Parade once, so we had a very “polite” conversation about the parade. He then told me a few a jokes about life with his wife in his Chicago neighborhood (he’s Polish; his wife’s Italian)–especially on Pulaski Day, when they’re both home from work–and had me in stitches, remembering what life in the “old” neighborhoods was like.
I told him about weekend trips my family took when I was a kid that always “officially” started when 20 cars showed up at Kosciuszko’s statue in Humboldt Park to make their way to “‘Pycka’ ‘farm-a’”, where our parents (Russians, Ukies, Poles, Germans, etc.) would go to get a little drunk on Pivo (and Vodka, of course), talk about missing their friends and “Homelands”, argue about politics, and then by the end of the weekend (most) would break down crying about how much they loved THIS Country, too, as they packed up to go back to their homes and jobs in the factories, office buildings, etc. (His family did the same thing; different “resort” though.)
By the time we got to the end of the line, we were teary-eyed, too–and laughing. Anyone who saw us getting off the train would have thought we were best friends from long ago.
Yeah, celebrating Pulaski Day is a good thing, just as St. Pat’s Day and all of the other celebrations are. It reminds us of why we are who we are–and why this Country’s so great.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 7, 11 @ 11:23 pm