When the news of the American Revolution reached Europe. Tadeusz Kosciuszko was a 30yearold captain in the Polish Army. He gave up his commission. left his home and family. and sailed from Paris to Philadelphia to defend a nation he had never seen. It is difficult for us today to understand the dimensions of that sacrifice. Kosciuszkos voyage is a simple trip today. it takes a passport. a visa and a few hours by plane. But in 1776. it was a sea journey that lasted weeks. Kosciuszko and the other Polish volunteers braved Atlantic storms in leaky wooden boats with canvas sails.