Monday marks Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois, but who was Pulaski and what does the holiday celebrate? Here’s what to know about the holiday: Who was Casimir Pulaski? Pulaski was a Polish-born cavalry officer killed in the Revolutionary War.

Poland’s president is visiting Chicago and took part in a Pulaski Day celebration Monday. Andrzej Duda’s visit comes three days before the 280th anniversary of Polish General and honorary U.S. citizen Casimir Pulaski’s birth (March 6,

Pulaski Day honors Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-born general who fought in the American Revolution. The holiday is observed in Illinois on the first Monday of March, near Pulaski’s birthday on March 6.

The state holiday is a tribute to the Illinois Polish community, honoring the revolutionary war hero Casimir Pulaski.