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Date: 3/30/2022
CHICOPEE – Citizens and city officials celebrated diversity through three flag raising events in March.
For Mayor John Vieau, celebrating the diverse nationalities across Chicopee remains an important goal. “Chicopee is certainly a place where all races, creeds and colors are welcome,” said Vieau.
Irish Flag Raising
Vieau gathered with the Chicopee St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Chicopee Parade Marshall Jim Kelly the Colleen’s Court, state Sen. Adam Gomez and state Rep. Jacob Oliveira to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
Vieau expressed his excitement for the holiday as Western Mass. welcomed the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day parade back after a two-year reprieve. The city raised the Irish flag to commemorate the holiday along with serving attendees Irish themed soda breads.
Polish Flag Raising
On March 21, Vieau hosted a Polish flag raising event in remembrance of Saint Joseph’s Day. The mayor welcomed seventh and eighth grade students from St. Stanislaus School, as well as City Councilors Robert Zygarowski, George Balakier, Gerard Roy and Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello.
In his address, the mayor took time to reflect on the role the Polish community played in molding Chicopee into its modern form. “It is something that is very special to the City of Chicopee. I am proud of my Polish heritage,” said Vieau.
Vieau recognized the work of former Mayor Richard Kos, who spearheaded the creation of modernized school buildings during his two tenures as mayor, while also acknowledging the efforts of the Polish citizens who migrated to the community during its initial formation.
As for current Polish staples in the community, the mayor highlighted the importance of the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning as a home of cultural artifacts. “The Polish Center is a very special place…it really captures what it means to be Polish,” said Vieau. The mayor also highlighted the city’s three producers of kielbasa as a point of pride for the Polish community.
Ukraine Flag Raising
On March 25, Vieau gathered with Zygarowski, Pniak-Costello, Roy, Ward 2 City Councilor and state Rep. candidate Shane Brooks and Ward 6 School Committee Member Samuel Shumsky to recognize the ongoing challenges occurring in Ukraine.
“The suffering of the Ukrainian people has been seen every day…It’s been an emotional time for many of us,” said Vieau. The mayor highlighted several donation drives occurring throughout the city, praising organizations that have donated money, supplies, medicine and nonperishable items to Ukrainian refugees.
Shumsky, who donated the flag for the raising event, spoke about the importance of representing the Ukraine flag and the country’s values. “This flag represents people who want to be free and live in a democracy,” said Shumsky.