CHICOPEE — On Oct. 17, Chicopee hosted a flag raising ceremony to honor Polish Heritage Month to continue its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and celebrating the cultural tapestry of its residents.
Mayor John Vieau, city and state officials, students from St. Stanislaus School and residents gathered to celebrate and support the Polish heritage.
Vieau, who said he is of Polish descent himself, discussed celebrating Polish heritage with the flag raising.
“It’s an annual occasion that we love to honor our heritage and today we’re here to honor Polish heritage. One thing I’ve learned is the Polish heritage, we’re very proud people and the contributions of the Polish community is really something special right here in Chicopee. There’s so many roots,” Vieau said.
State Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) was there to show his support as well and said, “I am happy to be here once again to raise the flag to stand in solidarity with your community. Your community is one of the biggest in Massachusetts that is a community that I’m proud to celebrate and also to be able to bring your voices into the Massachusetts Senate. Thank you for your steadfast support this past primary season so I can go back for a three-peat and make sure that I represent Polish-American values.”
Vieau also said everyone should check out the Polish Center for Discovery and Learning if they want to learn more about the Polish culture.
He said, “It’s an amazing museum and when you walk out, you feel that Polish pride when you walk out of there. I encourage everyone to take the tour, it’s an amazing facility and it’s right here in Chicopee. It’s a hidden gem and something special.”
Vieau presented a proclamation to Polish Center for Discovery and Learning Business Development Director Olen Bielski that officially recognizes October as Polish Heritage Month in Chicopee.
On behalf of the center, Bielski presented Vieau with a hat that says “Polish American and Proud.”
Two students from St. Stanislaus School helped raise the Polish Flag followed by the singing of the Polish Nation Anthem and a prayer by Fr. Brad Milunski from St. Stanislaus School.
