Quinn, Emanuel mark Pulaski Day at ceremony

Illinois’ top leaders gathered in Chicago’s Polish neighborhood for Pulaski Day.

Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel were among those at the event Monday at The Polish American Museum.

Pulaski Day commemorates Casimir Pulaski, a cavalry officer born in Poland who fought in the Revolutionary War. It’s an official holiday in Illinois on the first Monday in March. Emanuel says it’s a day to recognize the contributions of immigrants.

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky says it’s a day to honor everyone in uniform.

Chicago city and Cook County offices were closed, but state and federal offices were open. Chicago Public Schools were in session.

The Chicago area is home to one of the largest concentrations of people of Polish descent outside of Poland.