| Cultural juggernauts: Thaddeus Kościuszko, 1746-1817 |
Polish patriot, soldier, and American Revolution national hero, Kościuszko fought for freedom with the Contintental Army. He distinguished himself by building and fortifying West Point, and successfully fended-off a number of large-scale British attacks. He served with distinction through the war, was made a brigadier general, and was voted the thanks of Congress. Kościuszko garnered personal accolades at wars-end from Washington and Jefferson, the latter calling him a "true son of liberty." He then returned to Poland and lived for several years in retirement. In 1789, when the Polish army was reorganized, he was appointed a major-general and fought valiantly under Prince Poniatowski against the Russians. Heading the abortive revolution of Poland in 1794, Kościuszko was wounded and captured by the Russians. Imprisoned for two years, he was liberated by Emperor Paul on parole and with many marks of esteem. Kościuszko was a man of passion, bravado, charisma, vision, and initiative, and his unremitting devotion to the cause of freedom made him a symbol of freedom everywhere. A famous statue of him can be seen at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, erected on the very ground he so fervently defended.
See Kosciuszko audio file on Vimeo. |
 |
|
|
