Thousands of Poles living in New York and the surrounding area will walk along the famous Fifth Avenue on Sunday. Though the majority of those involved will be Polish Americans and Poles from the Tri-State area, they will represent the diverse community of the United States of America. This encompasses all ethnic groups, individuals with dreams, and those pursuing them.
“People participating in the march and those observing will pay tribute to General Casimir Pulaski, a man who fought for freedom for all and was a hero of two countries. They will honor Count Pulaski, a Polish patriot who fought to defend his country against oppression and aggression from Tsarist Russia. They will also recognize the great sacrifice of General Pulaski, who responded to Benjamin Franklin's invitation and came to America to offer his services to General Washington as a cavalry officer in support of the American colonies' struggle for independence”, the Parade Chairman Richard Zawisny has said.
This year’s edition will be special as Poland's President is also expected to take part in it. Information about Duda’s attendance at the event was officially confirmed by Zawisny, according to Polish public radio broadcaster Polskie Radio. The Polish President will attend a mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and then walk down 5th Avenue at the head of the parade from 38th to 41st Streets. As Zawisny added this year the president will be joined by Polish Culture Minister Piotr Gliński.
In Washington, on the other hand, the 7th edition of the Kosciuszko Run will take place before the main parade starts in New York. The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington invited not only diplomats but also residents of the US capital to participate in this sporting event. Informing about it, the Polish diplomatic mission emphasized that the run participants "will pay tribute to the extraordinary achievements and sacrifices for freedom and equality of the common hero of the United States, Poland, Lithuania and the entire region of Central and Eastern Europe."
Organized annually since 1937, the Pulaski parade pays tribute to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, who died during the siege of Savannah in October 1779. It is the second-oldest ethnic parade in New York, only behind the Irish St.Patrick’s event.
(aj)
SOURCE: IAR, PAP