A Letter From Judge John M. Chmura

A Letter From
Judge John M. Chmura
Polish Day Parade Chairman

The Tradition Continues…

Polish Americans are an integral part of American history. Seeking better lives for themselves and their descendants, they immigrated to America by the millions. With the availability of so many well-paying jobs as a result of the burgeoning auto industry, so many came here, to southeast Michigan. As such, they left an indelible cultural imprint.

The Polish Day Parade is part of that cultural stamp. The parade began in the 1930’s and wound its way through the streets of Belle Isle. It then moved to downtown Detroit, marching down Jefferson Avenue. Following that, we watched the parade in Hamtramck as it graced Joseph Campau for many years as part of that city’s Labor Day festival. Now, the parade has moved once again. Today, it can be found in the City of Warren, a city rich in Polish American history.

And, through it all, the parade has evolved. It has diversified to honor other ethnicities and expanded to include other units. The parade is now bigger and more interesting than ever.

But some things don’t change. The parade is still sponsored by the Polish American Congress, Michigan Division. The Polish dancers, colorful costumes, and wonderful, lively Polka music have not disappeared. It’s still the Polish Day Parade. And, most importantly, it remains a parade. All the pageantry, color, music, and excitement are there. And the fun.

So come to the parade this August 24. It steps off at 4:00 and marches down Common Road beginning at Hoover and finishing in front of the reviewing stand at Warren’s City Hall. You’ll have fun.

John M. Chmura
Polish Day Parade Committee Chairman