With Pride Down Fifth Avenue: Young Poles at the Pulaski Parade

PSM
Oct 14
4 min read

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, New York City turned white and red for a day. Fifth Avenue came alive with the sounds of Polish orchestras, patriotic songs, and the cheerful voices of thousands taking part in the 88th Pulaski Parade. On this day, Poles from across the United States, Canada, and Poland came together to celebrate their love for their homeland and their connection to national traditions.

According to estimates by Jadwiga Kopała from the Parade Committee, about 25,000 people from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania took part in the event. For the first time, organized Polish communities from Massachusetts and Chicago also joined in, emphasizing the spirit of unity and solidarity among Poles, no matter where they live. The Grand Marshal of this year’s Parade was Arkadiusz “Eryk” Bagiński, and among the guests was the Marshal of the Polish Parliament (Sejm), Szymon Hołownia, who met with participants and Polish youth, reminding them that Poland remembers its compatriots around the world.

Amid thousands of white-and-red flags, children in folk costumes, scouts, dance ensembles, and representatives of Polish-American organizations, a special role was played by the Polish Youth Association (PSM), an organization that for years has shaped the young generation of Polonia in the spirit of responsibility, patriotism, and openness.

The Polish Youth Association brings together over five thousand members in the United States and Canada, uniting students, pupils, and young professionals of Polish descent. The organization not only preserves the connection to Polish culture and language but also actively supports the development of young Poles abroad through events, scholarships, academic programs, and volunteer work. PSM also serves as a federation of Polish university clubs across North America, continuing the rich legacy of the Polish Student Organization.

This year, under the PSM banner, delegations of Polish academic clubs from across the country gathered together. Among them were students from Rutgers University, Seton Hall, Yale, the University of Scranton, NJIT, Stony Brook University, St. John’s University, the University of Connecticut, NYU, Princeton, Fordham, Columbia, Baruch College, Adelphi University, and joining for the first time, the University of Colorado Boulder, which flew in from the West to march alongside Polonia in the white-and-red parade.

Each of these clubs forms a small but important part of a greater whole, a community that proves Polish identity can be carried proudly in one’s heart no matter the distance from home. Many of the young people who grew up in the U.S. march with the Polish flag knowing that their roots are not just a memory of their ancestors, but a living source of identity connecting them to Poland.

The Polish Youth Association shows that national identity in the diaspora is not something that fades, it becomes a source of motivation and pride. Through joint initiatives, young people build bridges between American and Polish culture, proving that it’s possible to belong fully to both worlds without losing touch with one’s origins.

PSM volunteers also played a key role in preparing for the parade, showing great enthusiasm and professionalism. Among them were Nicholas Kwasnik (Georgetown University alumni), John Pawlikiewicz (University of Colorado Boulder), Michael Maj (University of Colorado Boulder), Conrad Bajda (Fordham University), Adrian Smola (Brooklyn Technical High School), Peter Zabiegla (University of Scranton alumni), Alexander Grzebielucha (Fordham University), Damian Mach (Fordham University), Peter Kotowski (Seton Hall University), Michael Cydzik (Fordham), Alexandra Kosarga (Fordham), Peter Wala (NJIT), Bartholomew Komenda (NJIT), Julia Doliwa (Rutgers), Michał Suchcicki (Rutgers), Kinga Gul (University of Pennsylvania), and Philip Dobkowski (Fordham). Their dedication is a perfect example of modern patriotism - rooted in action, cooperation, and service to the community.

The streets of New York showcased everything that is most beautiful about Polonia. Marching side by side were Polish schools and children in folk costumes, scouts, clergy, community organizations, Polish businesses and institutions such as the Polish & Slavic Center, the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, and LOT Polish Airlines. A delegation from Kraków and the Małopolska region, led by Mayor Aleksander Miszalski, presented one of twenty colorful floats. New York firefighters, police officers, and guests from the Polish police and fire services also took part. The parade featured live orchestras, dance groups, and captivating performances of traditional dances - the polonaise, krakowiak, and mazur.

For decades, the Pulaski Parade has been more than just an annual celebration. It is a living symbol of Polish memory, pride, and unity that crosses borders. On this day, it becomes clear that Polonia is not a scattered group, but a strong, united nation beyond Poland’s borders.

The Polish Youth Association has become the voice of the young generation - one that carries Polish identity into academic, social, and cultural life with passion and responsibility. These young people know that Polish identity isn’t only about remembering the past but also about shaping the future. Their actions show that 21st-century patriotism is not just about words, it’s about real work, collaboration, growth, dialogue, and pride in one’s heritage.

That day, in the heart of New York City, generations stood side by side - the older immigrants who came to America decades ago and the young Polish Americans born here. They were united by one flag, one language, and one emotion: love for Poland.

Because Poland isn’t just a country left behind across the ocean. Poland is memory, community, and the heart that beats within each of us, no matter where we live today.

Amelia Piwowarczyk

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