Lowell proclaims May 3, 2026 Polish Independence Day, celebrates Majówka with flag-raising and community remarks

Lowell marked Polish Constitution Day on May 3, 2026 with a ceremony that included an opening prayer, speeches from city leaders and community members, and a flag-raising ceremony at the Dom Polski.

Melissa Olenick, presenting the program for the Dom Polski, opened the indoor celebration and welcomed city officials and the Polish community, saying, “I'm honored to again present this program on behalf of the Dom Polski.” The event commemorated the May 3, 1791 constitution and local Polish heritage through speeches, music and ritual observances.

Father Andrew Tennis, pastor of Saint Casimir Parish, led an opening prayer that honored the May 3 Constitution and asked attendees to keep “those in Ukraine, Poland, and neighboring countries in your thoughts and prayers.” Mayor Eric Gitchier told attendees the flag-raising is “more than a ceremony” and a tribute to the contributions of Polish Americans to Lowell’s civic and economic life.

Councilor Belinda Duran read a formal proclamation on behalf of the mayor and city officials declaring Sunday, May 3, 2026, “as Polish Independence Day in the city of Lowell” and urged residents to participate in the celebration. The proclamation praised the Polish community for its social, economic and cultural contributions to the city.

Community members shared personal and family recollections. Trish Indelicato recounted grandparents who arrived through Ellis Island and described Polish family traditions such as Wigilia and singing Sto Lat. Pauline Golec placed local Polish immigration in broader historical context, citing figures from Polish-American history and noting the United States’ and Lowell’s anniversaries.

Organizer announcements included a post-ceremony light lunch and refreshments at the Dom Polski, 10 Coburn Street, and logistical notes that volunteer Jimmy Noel would move sound outdoors so the choir could be heard during the flag raising. Flag-raising duties were assigned to Sandra Waller and Ed Ulazinski, and wreath laying to Julia Olenick and Adela Stackiewicz. The program concluded with the U.S. and Polish national anthems and applause.

The ceremony was largely commemorative: organizers and city officials used the occasion to honor Polish heritage, present a civic proclamation, and encourage continued community participation. There were no formal votes or policy actions taken during the event.