Mon Mar 03 13:00:00 UTC 2025: **Chicago Closed for Casimir Pulaski Day; Schools Remain Open**
CHICAGO (March 3, 2024) – Many Chicago and Cook County services are closed today, March 3rd, in observance of Casimir Pulaski Day. City offices, courthouses, public libraries, and garbage collection are all suspended for the holiday, which honors the Polish-born Revolutionary War hero.
However, Chicago Public Schools remain open, a change from previous years when Pulaski Day was a school holiday. Banks and the U.S. Post Office also remain operational, as Pulaski Day is not a federal holiday.
The first Monday of March has been designated as Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois since 1977, recognizing Pulaski’s contributions and the significant Polish-American population within the state. Chicago officially adopted the holiday in 1986 under Mayor Harold Washington, who emphasized the city’s large Polish community and Pulaski’s fight for freedom, both in Poland and in the establishment of America as a new home for Polish people.
Celebrations continue today, including the Polish Museum of America’s annual livestream event featuring tributes from elected officials. This year’s event is expected to include Senator Dick Durbin and Polish President Andrzej Duda.
First Piper 