87th Pulaski Parade

The 87th Pulaski Parade in New York took place on Sunday, October 6, 2024. This is one of the most important events of the Polish American community, which pays tribute to General Kazimierz Pułaski - a Pole who distinguished himself in the fight for the independence of the United States, and promotes Poland on American soil. This year's event was held under the slogan "For freedom is measured by crosses." This quote comes from a military song written during the battle entitled "Red Poppies on Monte Cassino". The choice of the slogan of the Pulaski Parade, organized since 1937, is not accidental and is related to the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino celebrated this year.

The honorary Marshal of the Parade was the former Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Rome and San Marino, Anna Maria Anders, privately the daughter of General Anders, who commanded the II Polish Corps in the battles for Monte Cassino. The celebrations started at 9:00 a.m. with a mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and shortly after, at around 12:30 p.m., the parade marched down 5th Avenue.

The ceremony attracted thousands of participants and spectators, including leaders and employees of Polish organizations, Polish schools, representatives of the clergy, as well as invited guests and local authorities. Representatives of the Polish authorities were also present on this day. The Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, Mateusz Sakowicz, also participated in the Parade. The marshal of this year's Pulaski Parade was Piotr Praszkowicz - a businessman who has been supporting Polish initiatives in the United States for years. Just like last year, this year too, the Mayor of New York, Eric Adams, who strongly supports ethnic groups in his city, took part in the Parade. A large group of people were representatives of PSFCU, including members of the Board of Directors, the Management Board, as well as employees and their families. The contingent of the Polish-Slavic Federal Credit Union was vocally supported by Kaeyra, a young Polish singer who is also the winner of the Rising Star of Our Credit Union scholarship.

“Our Union has been taking part in this Parade from the very beginning of its existence, expressing Polishness, unity and tradition. I am glad that we have also been the main sponsor of the Pulaski Parade for many years. It is a great honor for us to be able to support one of the most important Polish events in the United States in this way.” – emphasized Bogdan Chmielewski, CEO of PSFCU.

The Pulaski Parade is a way to cultivate national identity that unites generations of Poles and lovers of Polish culture in a common march. Through fun and singing, Poles strengthen their sense of community, passing on the memory of Poland and its history to subsequent generations. As every year, the event begins the solemn celebration of Polish Heritage Month, recalling Kazimierz Pułaski, whose courage and heroism have become a permanent part of the history of the fight for US independence. 

The Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union, the largest ethnic credit union, is proud to contribute to the promotion of national cultural heritage and cultivate a sense of national belonging.