When I first saw the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, my first question was who? Of course, I've learned that the National Park services highlights several people that I've not heard of before, so I wasn't surprised that this would be another one. However, once I learned of who he was, my surprise was that I had not heard of him before and that our schools do not teach of him alongside Washington, Jefferson, or Lincoln.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko was a Pole. Unfortunately for him, Poland was under the domination of Russia at the time. Thaddeus dreamed of a free Poland and when he heard of colonies in America fighting to throw off the domination of a European power, he headed over to see how he could help. Educated as an engineer, he offered his services to the continental army. Throughout the Revolutionary War Kosciuszko was responsible for several of the defensive constructions at many of the battles.

He was in New York when the British invaded and, at the battle of Fort Ticonderoga, he recognized that the continental army needed to occupy high ground for their artillery from which they would command control of the battlefield. Unfortunately, the generals in charge ignored his suggestion, the British got control of the high ground and routed the continental army in the subsequent battle.

Moving South to Saratoga, Kosciuszko now designed the fortifications and the defensive strategy for the upcoming battle. This time his suggestions were accepted, his defense is constructed, and this time, the battle was a rout for the continental army who captured thousands of British soldiers.

Kosciuszko later moved to the southern theater of the war where he continued to assist the continental army in their construction of defenses. At some point he actually met with George Washington who conveyed his appreciation for the work Kosciuszko had done. After the war he returned to his native homeland leading an uprising against Russia's domination. Unfortunately, his revolution was not successful, and he was captured by the Russian forces. Later, he was released but banished from his homeland forever. He returned to Philadelphia to a hero's welcome. In Philadelphia he rented a small room which is today holds National Memorial. It has the distinction of being the smallest unit of the Park Service.

During his stay in Philadelphia, he entertained many guests and became close friends with Thomas Jefferson, who told him his name would be remembered for all of history. Sadly, history has not done its part to make this a true statement.