Happy Pulaski Day

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Mar 7, 2005 3:04PM

Chicagoist was just commenting, it seems, about how President's Day is one of those half-holidays where nothing happens really, but if you're lucky you get the day off. Well, same with Pulaski Day. Except you have an even slimmer chance of getting the day off.

Casimer Pulaski was a Polish war hero who came to America and fought for the US in the American Revolution under the command of George Washington. That's all great, but why do we celebrate Pulaski Day locally, you're asking? Well, first off, we have a large Polish population here. And secondly, it's the law. In 1977 the Illinois General Assembly passed an act to make Pulaski's birthday a holiday. Since then, the first Monday in March of each year is a state holiday to honor the memory of Casimer Pulaski and his contribution to America's independence.

"How does this all affect me?", you might be wondering? Well, your garbage won't be picked up for one thing. Also, many public schools and city and county government offices, and libraries will be closed. But don't worry. The CTA, Pace and Metra are still running normally, mail will still be delivered, and most banks and federal and state offices will be open. Oh, and you still have to feed your parking meter.

So how you gonna celebrate? Eat some peorgies pierogi for dinner? How about stopping by the Polish Museum of America at 10am for their annual celebration? There will be speeches by local polish leaders and there'll be a wreath-laying ceremony at the base of a wall-sized painting of Polaski. Or you could head over to the Jolly Inn where they're having a Pulaski Day Dinner. Cocktails are at 6pm, dinner's at 7pm, and tickets are $30/person. Or, you could just sent out a Pulaski Day e-card to all of your friends. Nothing says you care quite like a free e-card!

Images via wikipedia & rachelleb.com