Thousands of Polish-Americans will be marching in the streets of New York representing schools, youth and sports organizations, folk dance groups, businesses, and parishes of the Tri-State area, the parade organizers have informed.
Organized annually since 1937, the Pulaski parade pays tribute to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, who died during the siege of Savannah in October 1779.
This year, representatives of the Polish government and distinguished members of the community will also pay tribute to our heritage. President Andrzej Duda together with Minister of Culture, Piotr Glińśki, as the guests of honor, 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.
On Saturday, Poland’s Culture Minister took part in the ceremonial raising of the Polish flag at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago as part of the inauguration of Polish Heritage Month in Chicago, U.S., Polish public radio Broadcaster Polish Radio reported.
During his speech, Gliński emphasized the importance of the Polish community and its contribution to Poland regaining independence.
The minister called on the Polish diaspora to strengthen the alliance with America and help “maintain our country’s current course towards sovereignty.”
President Andrzej Duda, on the other hand, said in an interview for the international channel of the Polish Television, TVP Polonia, that Poles in the United States care about the development of national historical awareness. The President stressed that cooperation with the United States in responsible historical policy will promote Polish history in America.
The Pulaski Parade is one of the oldest and biggest ethnic parades in NYC.
(aj)
SOURCE: TVP; IAR