Mayor John Vieau reads a proclamation to recognize Portuguese Heritage Month in the city of Chicopee.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
CHICOPEE — In one of the more well-attended flag raisings of the year, members of the community and local government gathered to celebrate the raising of the Portuguese flag and honor Portuguese Heritage Month on June 10.
The inclement weather forced the celebration to be moved inside to the City Hall auditorium, but that did not stop the community from making the space standing room only as every chair was filled.
Mayor John Vieau talked about the turnout and how the Portuguese community represents themselves.
“Chicopee is a very diverse community and continues to grow and the Portuguese American contributions is something very special to this community,” Vieau said.
Some businesses that Vieau highlighted included Dino’s European Hair Styling, the Chicopee Portuguese American Club and Bernardino’s Bakery.
The Portuguese flag-raising ceremony aligns with Chicopee’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and celebrating the cultural tapestry of its residents.
Vieau stated, “There are many small businesses that contribute to this economy, and I know how proud and hardworking the Portuguese community really is, so we’re here to celebrate that.”
Vieau read the proclamation to make the flag raising official and acknowledge Portuguese Heritage Month in Chicopee.
Part of the proclamation read, “Portuguese Americans harbor a deep commitment to family and community, an enduring work ethic and perseverance to succeed and contribute to society. Portuguese Americans have contributed to the enhancement of early American society from manning the whaling ships in New England to the introduction of grape cultivation.”
The Portuguese flag was then presented in the auditorium to conclude the ceremony.
