Polish Constitution Day Parade
Ridge Road - Parma, Ohio May 4, 2025
The Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791 was the first constitution to follow the 1788 ratification of the United States Constitution. May 3 was restored as an official Polish holiday in April 1990, after the fall of communism.
The Constitution of May 3, 1791 is considered one of the most important achievements in the history of Poland. The May 3 anniversary of its adoption has been observed as Poland's most important civil holiday since Poland regained independence in 1918. Its importance for the Polish people has been compared to that of 4 July to the Americans.
The Polish American Congress Ohio Division hosted its 75th Constitution Day Parade on Sunday May 4, 2025. The Polish American Congress Ohio Division team was led by Tomasz Kacki, President and Natalie Zidd and Joe Rutkowski, Committee Members.
Joseph Rutkowski, Natalie Zidd, Tomasz Kacki
Joseph Lecznar served as MC for the Parade with the assistance of Rev. Eric Orzech, pastor of both St Stanislaus and St Casimir Churches in Cleveland. Father Eric is also Chaplain of the Polish American Congress.
Rev. Eric Orzech and Joseph Lecznar
Rev. Eric Orzech, Tomasz Kacki and Joseph Lecznar
Parade units included Police, Military and Veterans as well as the Ukrainian and Lithuanian communities. Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter and several council members marched as well. Polish groups such as the Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish School, Piast Polish Song and Dance Ensemble, Union of Poles, Polish National Alliance and the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America. The Normandy HS Band marched and other units included a Ghostbusters Car and the Parma Fire Department. The Ms. Dyngus Day float drove by and one of them soaked my lens with a water canon so the end of the video has some water spots. Watch the video.
Since 2013, TV weatherman Bruce Kalinowski has been the announcer for the Parade. This year, he was selected as the Grand Marshal. Watch Bruce tell about being Grand Marshal.
Here are some more photos from the 2025 Polish Constitution Day Parade.
Start of Polish Constitution Day Parade 2025 in Parma Ohio
Grand Marshal Bruce Kalinowski
Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter
Ukrainian community at Polish Constitution Day Parade 2025 in Parma
George Jaskiw
Lithuanian and Ukrainian
Normandy HS Band
Council Member Debbie Lime
Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish School
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