The parade honors Casimir Pulaski, the Polish nobleman and cavalry officer who came to America in 1777 to fight for independence. Pulaski reached Boston that summer and joined General George Washington's army. On September 11, 1777, at the Battle of Brandywine, he led a charge that helped cover the army's retreat, and Congress soon commissioned him a brigadier general and commander of the horse. In 1778 he raised an independent cavalry unit, later known as Pulaski's Legion. He was mortally wounded in October 1779 while trying to rally troops during the Siege of Savannah, Georgia. Often called "the Father of the American Cavalry," Pulaski was posthumously granted honorary U.S. citizenship in 2009.
The New York parade was first held in 1937 and is considered one of the city's oldest continuing ethnic parades. It marches up Fifth Avenue on a Sunday in early October, close to General Pulaski Memorial Day on October 11.
Linden Marshal Danuta Lisowska led the contingent, joined by Mayor Derek Armstead, Councilwoman Yamakaitis and fellow community members. The group also featured Miss Polonia, Junior Miss Polonia and Little Miss Polonia, celebrating Polish heritage across generations.
Despite rain throughout much of the day, participants marched with enthusiasm alongside the broader Polish-American community. The annual gathering offered another opportunity to represent Linden and celebrate the traditions and connections that bring its residents together.
