Today, Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that she has secured a $5,000 state grant for the General Pulaski Association of Western New York. The announcement comes ahead of the Polish-American Arts Festival weekend in Cheektowaga, which includes the 81^st annual General Pulaski Day Parade on Sunday, July 21. The funding from Wallace will help the association offset the cost of the parade.

“The General Pulaski Association has a rich history of bringing Western New Yorkers of Polish descent closer to their heritage,” said Assemblymember Monica Wallace. “One of the highlights of their work is the annual General Pulaski Day Parade, which brings thousands of visitors to Cheektowaga to celebrate our community’s deep connection to Poland. I’m proud to play a part in funding the parade this year, and I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday!”

The General Pulaski Association and the annual parade are named for General Casimir Pulaski, considered a military hero in both Poland and the United States. A native of Warsaw, Poland, Pulaski joined the American Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, where he would become known as the “Father of the American Calvary.” Pulaski lost his life fighting for America’s independence during the Siege of Savannah in October 1779. As a result of his heroism, Pulaski was granted honorary United States citizenship, one of only eight people to ever receive that high honor.

The Polish-American Arts Festival begins this Friday, July 19 and goes through Sunday, July 21 in Cheektowaga Town Park on Harlem Road. The festival will include: live music; Polish food vendors; and vendors offering art, jewelry, and other Polish cultural items. The General Pulaski Day Parade will kick off on Sunday at 1:30pm from the Thruway Plaza on Walden Avenue, turning north on Harlem Road, and concluding in Cheektowaga Town Park.