Pulaski Parade celebrates Polish heritage

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - October is Polish Heritage Month, and the Polish Heritage Committee in Northampton hosts the Pulaski Parade every year on Columbus Day.

It gives Polish Americans in western Massachusetts a chance to stop and remember their roots.

Many Polish-Americans walked in the 26th annual Pulaski Parade in Northampton on Columbus Day. It's an event that many people say brings all Polish-Americans together.

Maryann Sadoski of East Whately told 22News she just became a member of the committee.

She said “The women and the children and the men. They are dressed in the Polish costume. I did that many years ago.”

to the parade on Monday say they all have one thing in common. It's their heritage, and they are proud of where their parents and grandparents came from.

Eugene Kirejczyk of Chicopee said “I appreciate being Polish. I find that the Polish people have come a long way since when they came over.”

Leon Suymbol of Hadley told 22News “It’s a beautiful thing to do. My kids speak fluent Polish. I think kids are supposed to know where they come from, know their roots.”

The parade honored General Casimir Pulaski, who fought in the American Revolution, but for many people, celebrating their heritage doesn't stop there.

Kirejczyk said his rotary club in Chicopee is working on a special project.

“We are going to work with a hospital in Poland, and we are trying to raise money to buy hospital equipment in Poland,” he said.

Other towns and cities celebrate the heritage month as well. There's a film festival in Chicopee and Easthampton held a wreath laying ceremony this weekend.