Among the many distinguished military men who came from abroad to fight for the independence of the American colonies, Thaddeus Kosciuszko was among the very first. In August 1776, only months after the Declaration of Independence had been signed, the thirty-year old military engineer arrived in Philadelphia from Poland. He offered his services to the Continental Congress and served continuously until the British surrender seven years later. Since that time the memory of his dedication and contribution has forged strong bonds between the people of Poland and the United States.