The Society of the Cincinnati is the USA’s oldest patriotic organization, founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army who served together in the American Revolution. Its mission is to promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American independence and to foster fellowship among its members. Now a nonprofit educational organization devoted to the principles and ideals of its founders, the modern Society maintains its headquarters, library, and museum at Anderson House in Washington, D.C.

Tadeusz Kościuszko received an extraordinary distinction, as he was the only Pole and one of three foreigners admitted to the Society of the Cincinnates. The eagle of the Society, with the image of the Roman Cincinnatus and the inscription “He left everything to defend the Republic of Poland”, was later worn by Kościuszko in Poland, e.g. during the Battle of Maciejowice, where he was severely wounded and was taken prisoner by the Russians.

The Society operates to this day. Membership commits to honoring the memory of the American War of Independence, maintaining mutual friendship and helping other members of the Society in need, working for brotherhood and freedom.