DAR

                         From Paul Revere's midnight ride to George Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River, the American Revolution was a very important war in human and American history. Some leaders are widely acknowledge for their efforts, while others are unheard of. Among these unsung patriots and heroes who served in the war and helped the patriotic effort is Tadeusz Kosciuszko. A true hero, Tadeusz helped the colonies in the war by building many fortifications.

            Born in Mereczowszczyzna, Poland, Tadeusz Kosciuszko was the son of Ludwik and Tekla Kosciuszko. He attended the Piarist College in Lubieszow, Poland, and later, a military academy in Warsaw. His abilities attracted enough attention from King Stanislaw II Augustus Poniatowski, for the him to send him to Paris for further study in military. Finishing his studies in Paris, Tadeusz learned fortification, naval tactics, civil architecture, and painting. Later, he returned to Poland and taught drawing and mathematics to General Jozef Sosnowski's daughters. He fell in love with Ludwika, one of the general's daughter, but failed at the attempt to elope her. By the time Tadeusz got to America in 1776, he was a skilled engineer.

            The Declaration of Independence moved Tadeusz to tears. A perfectly written document that stated all the he believed in, the Declaration of Independence inspired Tadeusz. While traveling with the Continental army, he made a short visit to meet Thomas Jefferson. When he discovered that Thomas Jefferson was responsible for drafting the document, Tadeusz decided to meet Mr. Jefferson. After a warm welcome, Kosciuszko and Jefferson shared their beliefs and ideas throughout the day and became the best of friends.

            In October 18, 1776, our hero was commissioned as colonel of engineer. When the war started, Tadeusz helped fortify the Philadelphia waterfront at Fort Mercer. Shortly afterward, he helped the fortifications along the Hudson River and planned the defenses for Saratoga. Tadeusz contributed to the capitulation of the British in Saratoga, which was the turning point of the war. Being badly beaten up by the British in the first year of war, the Americans almost lost all hope. However, the victory at Saratoga re-fueled the Americans. This was the victory finally able to convince the French to join the war; thus, the Americans were relieved. When Spain and the Netherlands followed France in helping the revolution, the British gave up and America became independent.

            Tadeusz's next contribution to the patriotic effort was at West Point, New York. Appointed as chief engineer, our hero built the fortifications. Known as the American Gibraltar, the fortifications was impenetrable by the British forces. Later, West Point would become a military academy, as suggested by Tadeusz to General Washington.

            One of Our hero's contribution was under General Nathaniel, when Kosciuszko escorted the American forces across the Yadkin and Dan rivers. By doing this, he saved the army twice from the advancing British enemy. Then in the spring of 1781 in South Carolina, he conducted the Battle of Ninety-Six, and afterward, the blockade of Charlestown.

            In 1883, Kosciuszko was awarded for his service to the Continental Army by George Washington with the Cincinnati Order Medal. He was also given two pistols and a sword as gifts for his extraordinary service. Finally, he was appointed as Brigadier General, or as a one star general.

            Even though the Revolution is over, he did not stop fighting the fight for independence. Both Poland and America were countries that Kosciusko loved, and when the Russians invaded Poland in 1792, he immediately came to help. As a leader and commander, Tadeusz participated in many battles. Though in many battles, he strategically won, his inferior forces was soon overwhelmed and he captured as prisoner by Russia. In 1797, he was released and he came to America, his second home. Though he did not stay here long, he received a warm welcome. He moved to Paris, then Switzerland where he died in 1817.

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            As a hero who did so many things, why isn't Kosciuszko as well known as Thomas Jefferson or Samuel Adams? Why isn't James Armistead, who acted as a double-spy and gave the Americans valuable information, or Crispus Attucks, who was a symbol of antislavery when he died in the Boston Massacre, or the countless other heroes who helped the patriotic cause, widely known? These heroes--these unsung heroes--should be honored as we would honor our founding fathers. Without these countless patriots, from Polly Cooper to Allen McLane, our country wouldn't be free.

            Like how songs and poems are made in honor of the famous heroes like Samuel Adams and Benjamin Franklin, we should honor and remember the contributions by such unsung heroes like Tadeusz Kosciuszko. By doing this, we will be patriots, as we are when we raise our flag. Most importantly, being patriots of a great country like America is being a hero, an everyday hero of our lives.