CHICOPEE – City leaders, community members and students from St. Stanislaus School recognized October as Polish Heritage Month with a flag raising ceremony on Oct. 13.

Mayor John Vieau was joined by City Council Vice President Robert Zygarowski, City Councilor At-Large Gerry Roy, City Councilor At-Large James Tillotson and candidate for 8th Hampden District state representative Shirley Arriaga for the ceremony.

In his opening remarks, Vieau reflected on the contributions that Polish community leaders made in Chicopee. He discussed the indelible impact former mayors Anthony J. Stonina and Walter J. Trybulski left behind as advocates for establishing the Westover Air Base in Chicopee. The mayor then spotlighted the work of former Mayor Richard Kos, who helped shepherd the construction of two high schools and a middle school across his two mayoral tenures.

Vieau also discussed the impact that several Polish-centric organizations continue to leave upon the city. He thanked the Polish National Credit Union for serving as a consistently supportive sponsor to the city and other organizations. The mayor expressed support for the Polish Center for Learning and Discovery as a museum dedicated to local and worldly Polish history.

“It’s an amazing museum that really embraces the Polish heritage of our ancestors … it is something special,” said Vieau.

Vieau stressed that the city’s flag raising ceremonies serve as significant reminders of the Chicopee community’s diverse population.

“We as a community like to recognize every race, color and creed which makes Chicopee so unique and diverse,” said Vieau.

Speaking to the St. Stanislaus students, the mayor encouraged each student to always take pride in their heritage.

“Always be proud of who you are and where you come from. Your heritage is something that’s very special, and don’t let anyone ever make you feel anything different,” said Vieau.

Vieau raised the flag alongside St. Stanislaus students. As the flag was being raised, community members proudly sang the Polish national anthem and the American national anthem.

The mayor concluded the ceremony by utilizing Roy’s signature statement of community pride.

“It’s your city, take pride in it,” said Vieau.