NORTHAMPTON — Even a great novelist would be hard-pressed to invent a character more striking than real-life hero Casimir Pulaski.
“Pulaski was the romantic embodiment of the flashing saber and the trumpets, calling to the charge,” said Stephanie Kraft, quoting writer Richard Lysiak, in her remarks at the program Monday following the Pulaski Day Parade.
So what does Casimir Pulaski mean to people of Polish heritage in the Pioneer Valley?
Cut down during the Battle of Savannah at the age of 34 while fighting on the American side during the Revolutionary War, Pulaski lived lifetimes during his short time on this earth.
The Polish nobleman, who was forced to flee his homeland because of his fight against the Russians, met Benjamin Franklin while the founding father was seeking support for the American Revolution in France. Inspired by the American cause, Pulaski crossed the ocean and enlisted in the Continental Army, where he would rise to the rank of Brigadier General. Pulaski would become known as the father of the American cavalry, credited with turning it into a formidable fighting force. He even used his own money to outfit his men.
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, may have an Irish last name, but he is of Polish descent on his mother’s side. Asked what Casimir Pulaski means to him, McGovern noted his importance as a figure in the American revolution.
“You take some pride in that,” he said.
McGovern said, however, that one doesn’t learn about Pulaski in history classes in school.
“My grandparents taught me about him,” he said.
Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz noted how many Polish people have served in the military, including his father in World War II.
“There’s a strong connection with the Polish people and love of country and love of the United States, while still maintaining their Polish heritage,” said Narkewicz. “He symbolizes that.”
Narkewicz is himself a veteran.
Fred Zimnoch, who serves as president of the Polish Genealogical Society of Massachusetts, noted the historical importance of both Pulaski and a fellow Polish hero of the American Revolution, Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
“You don’t see people like that very often,” said Zimnoch.
Asked if the Pulaski connection had helped Polish immigrants to integrate, Zimnoch said it had.
“They automatically have a hero,” said Zimnoch. “They can feel more at home here knowing that Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Pulaski both were involved in establishing democracy and freedom in the country.”
State Rep. John Scibak noted the contributions of Pulaski in the context of the contribution of immigrants.
“He was just the epitome of somebody … who believed in this country and what this country was striving for,” said Scibak.
Joe Sieracki Jr., of Easthampton, is of 100 percent Polish descent, and he described Pulaski as a “hero” and a “role model.”
“With the times that we’re in today, it’s nice to have positive role models,” he said.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.