Like most days, April 26 was filled with drivers scurrying around Southside Bethlehem, subconsciously enjoying the freedoms of democracy.

But at the busy intersection of Brodhead Avenue and Third Street, dozens paid homage to a Revolutionary War hero who still deserves respect more than two centuries later.

After all, had Polish Brig. Gen. Kazimierz Pulaski never used his military intelligence to aid the Continental Army, the American Revolution perhaps could have had a different outcome.

Wreaths and flowers were placed in Pulaski Park, as brass instruments belted out tunes of independence. Various public officials and Polish-Americans reflected on Pulaski's heroism.

"It is with great good fortune that he came here to America, to fight for freedom here, where a fight for freedom ultimately was successful, the freedom that we enjoy today," said Wieslow Niemoozynkski, the master of ceremony.

Pulaski joined his family members among the Polish nobility to oppose Russian and Prussian interference in Polish affairs when he was just 15 years old. Years later, he traveled to Paris where he met Benjamin Franklin who informed Pulaski of the colonies' fight for independence - one that Pulaski admired.

He volunteered his services, much to the delight of George Washington who described Pulaski as "an officer renowned throughout Europe for the courage and bravery he displayed in defense of his country's freedom."

Pulaski came to both Bethlehem and Philadephia in 1777 when he was appointed brigadier-general.

He established himself in several battles, eventually receiving the title "Father of the American Cavalry." He also garnered respect from the Moravian sisters during his time in Bethlehem, as they embroidered a silk banner for him that he carried into battle.

Pulaski was killed in 1779 during the Battle of Savannah. His enemies, impressed by his valor, allowed him to be carried off the battlefield.

"Each of us knows Bethlehem has a rich history," State Rep. Steve Samuelson said. "But it's up to us citizens of Bethlehem to keep that history alive to remind the next generation of the important links to our past."