What is Casimir Pulaski Day? What is closed in Chicago – NBC Chicago

One of the 13 observed city holidays in Chicago will take place on Monday, March 3: Casimir Pulaski Day.

The day honors Casimir Pulaski, a cavalry officer born in Polish who was killed in the War of Independence. Pulaski was born in Warsaw in 1745 and became known for his actions in the fight against Russian armed forces at the beginning of his life. He was raised on the role of the Polish military officer and ultimately had to flee from the country after Prussia and Austria had entered the country, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Pulaski's heroism has long been the subject of worship and legend, and in 1977 the state of Illinois described the first Monday in March as Casimir Pulaski Day and honored both his memory and the contributions of the Polish Americans in the history of the state.

In 1986 the then chicago mayor Harold Washington presented a resolution to describe the first Monday in March as Casimir Pulaski Day, according to the Chicago Public Library, with the first official celebration of the Pulaski Day of City on March 2, 1986.

During the celebration, Washington noticed the great Polish population in Chicago in his remarks and partially said: “And we honor Casimir Pulaski,” says a post from the library. “Not only because of his heroic deeds in the struggle for freedom that Poland could never reach, but also for the fights for freedom that America reached, and thus form a new home for Poland to come.”

The Polish Museum of America honors Pulaski every year with a live stream event with elected state and local officials who appreciate his life.

Are companies closed on Pulaski Day?

On Monday, Cook County and city offices as well as city libraries and courthouse are closed in compliance with the day. The typical garbage collection in Chicago will not take place on Monday, the city said.

And although Chicago Public Schools and other school districts of the suburb have previously observed the Pulaski Day, it is no longer listed under the holidays that observe CPS, and the school remains at the meeting.

Banks and the United States' post office are also open on Monday.