Polish president in Chicago for Casimir Pulaski Day celebration as US-Ukraine relations strained

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Monday is Casimir Pulaski Day, which honors the Revolutionary War hero from Poland.

It's also a time to celebrate the ties between Chicago and Poland.

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Polish dancers performed Sunday at a packed house at the Copernicus Center in Jefferson Park.

Poland's President Andrzej Duda was there, and he is still in Chicago Monday. He was the guest speaker at an event at the Polish Museum of America.

Duda's presence took on new significance in the wake of strained relations between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Pulaski Day honors the Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski. General Pulaski is recognized as the "Father of the American Cavalry."

Monday is the 280th anniversary of his birth.

Duda said that before Pulaski came to America's shores, he fought in Poland for independence from Russia.

"The history of Poland was marked by wars, wars which were swimming through Europe. They were swimming also through the Polish lands. And, to a big extent, those wars were the Russian invasions and occupations of our country," Duda said.

Duda did not comment on the current war between Russia and Ukraine.

But Poland has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, providing military and financial assistance.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, said U.S. support for Poland is stronger than ever.

"Polish people and their families opened their homes for these Ukrainians to be given a safe place to be. That to me speaks volumes about the caring and loving nature of the Polish people to their neighbors," Durbin said.

But there are concerns that the U.S. and Ukraine are far apart, after a contentious meeting last week between President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office.

"Very important for the U.S. to continue to support Ukraine in all kinds of ways, financial, militarily," said Bogan Pukszta, with the Polish American Chamber of Commerce.

In all, Pulaski Day celebrations reaffirmed ideals of freedom and unity.

All government offices in the city of Chicago and Cook County are closed Monday, but Chicago Public Schools are in session.