CITY COUNCIL VOTES IN FAVOR OF HOLDEN RESOLUTIONS ON POLISH
INDEPENDENCE AND HISTORICAL FIGURES
NEW YORK, NY – At the stated meeting of the New York City Council on October 31, the Council voted
unanimously in favor of three resolutions introduced by Council Member Robert Holden that
recognize Polish independence and important figures in Polish-American history.
Resolution 420 declares November 11 as Polish Independence Day in the city of New York. On
November 11, 1918, Poland regained its independence with the end of World War I after centuries of
regime changes and outside influences.
Resolution 421 declares October 11 as Casimir Pulaski Day in the city of New York. Pulaski became a
Polish-American hero after he was forced to flee Poland while fighting for its independence and
ultimately wound up fighting with American colonists during the Revolutionary War, where he was
killed on the battle field on October 11, 1779.
Resolution 422 declares October 15 as Tadeusz Kosciuszko Day in the city of New York. Kosciuszko
also served for America during the Revolutionary War as the chief engineer of the Continental Army,
and in his will he dedicated his American estate’s worth to freeing and educating African-American
slaves before he passed on October 15, 1817.
“I spent much of my childhood with Polish-Americans living in Queens and have kept many close
relationships with them to this day,” said Council Member Holden. “It is important that we honor the
selfless contributions of the Polish throughout history, and I thank my fellow Council members for
supporting these resolutions.”
The resolutions are also the first Holden-sponsored measures to be passed by the Council since he
was elected. Council Member Holden represents a significant Polish population in District 30, he
attended a Polish school in his youth and has hired staff members of Polish descent.
