
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, October 20, 1994                   TAG: 9410200051
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: 2   EDITION: NEW RIVER 
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:    PULASKI                                  LENGTH: Medium

HE BRINGS THE COUNT TO LIFE

Count Casimir Pulaski has left his name on many towns, cities and bridges across the country, but few if any of them have actual visits from the Polish patriot who died during the Revolutionary War.

But Count Pulaski has appeared in the town and county named for him in the New River Valley, most recently during last weekend's Count Pulaski Day festival, thanks to former Dublin Elementary School principal Winsdon Pound.

Pound organized an anti-drug citizens group which served as a model for the state, following his retirement as principal in 1983. He now lectures widely on that subject and mental health for children.

And he also dons a mustache, wig and uniform to impersonate Count Pulaski when the occasion demands. He's been doing it for about seven years, to keep alive Pulaski's message of the need to fight for freedom.

Pound's research into the background of Count Pulaski found its way into the speech he gave last weekend in the persona of the count.

``In my native land of Poland, my father and my two brothers - Francis and Anthony - and I helped to lead a revolt against Russia during the reign of Catherine the Great," he said. "Unfortunately, we were not successful. My father was taken prisoner and died in the prison camp. One brother, Francis, was killed; the other brother, Anthony, was captured and sent to Siberia. I was outlawed. My family estates were confiscated. My mother and a sister, who was a nun, were forced to flee for their safety, and I fled to Paris, France.

``I loved the military life and, while I did not secure freedom at home in Poland, I thought I could help others in their fight for freedom in America."

Pulaski was George Washington's aide-de-camp at the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777. He was commissioned as a brigadier general and Congress authorized him to form a legion of cavalry - the first cavalry for America.

``I am very happy to say that my forces saved Charleston, S.C., from the British," Pound continued, invoking the count. ``My legion tried to recapture Savannah, Ga., from the British, but a deserter had tipped off the enemy and I was wounded in the battle. I never recovered. I died aboard the ship, the Wasp, in the Charleston harbor on Oct. 11, 1779, at the age of 32, and was buried at sea.

``Witnessing the freedom you enjoy in this great country and in Pulaski County makes me feel that my efforts were not in vain. Dear friends, don't take your freedom and liberty for granted. Remember it.''

by CNB