ORDINANCE
Whereas, Chicago's annual celebrations of Poland's Constitution of May 3, 1791 were initiated by the Polish National Alliance to commemorate the centennial of the enactment of this important document. On May 2, 1891, that first Polish Constitution Day "parade" in Chicago had a different flavor than it does today. Historical accounts describe hundreds of carriages brightly decorated with Polish and American flags, marching military re-enactment units, equestrian units, groups of children and youth in traditional Polish costumes, and Polish American clubs and societies flooding the streets on their way to a gathering place on Haymarket Square. The program included patriotic speeches condemning the three partitions of Poland by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, as well as performances by musical groups and soloists.
WHEREAS, Among the guest speakers was financier and alderman John F. Smulski, who later served as Illinois state treasurer, and Chicago judge Murray F. Tuley.
Since then, the Polish American community in Chicago has come together on the first Saturday of May to celebrate patriotism, culture, history, and heritage, as a reminder that Poland enacted a democratic constitution that was second only to the Constitution of the United States and first of its kind in Europe.
WHEREAS, Over the years, parade organizers have hosted special guests including federal, state and local government officials, as well as special invitees from Poland. Parade themes have reflected important issues of the day, from anniversaries of military victories to celebrations of famous Poles and Polish Americans, including Nicolaus Copernicus, Maria Sklodowska Curie, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, and St. John Paul II. The parade marshal is always a person of stature in the Polish American community, someone who has made a significant contribution to further the good name of Polonia. With a special focus on youth, the parades have become particularly colorful and joyous with the participation ...
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