Over 200 people gathered in Zurakowski Park Friday including the Polish Ambassador to Canada, Witold Dzielski along with Polish dignitaries, the deputy Mayor and many notable others.
Just after noon the Polish flag was raised to celebrate the first official Polish Constitution Day and Polish Heritage Month in Canada.
Just before the event My Barry’sBay Now spoke with Ambassador Dzielski about coming to Barry’s Bay to celebrate the day,
“Here has special significance because Barry’s Bay, Wilno, this is the area of the first Polish settlements. So, it’s an important element of Polish identity of Polish history of Polish presence in Canada”
Later during his speech Dzielski recognized all those who contributed to the Polish Constitution and heritage days being federally recognized.
“Thanks to the lobbying of the Polish Canadian Congress, “said Dzielski, noting, “We have the President of Polish Canadian Congress with us with Mr. Janusz Tomczak. Thanks to the lobbying. But most of all thank you. Thanks to you, to the Polish community, this dream came true.”
The flag raising event was organized by the Zurakowski Park committee and Park committee chair Tom Vlasic emceed the event.