UTICA — October marks Polish American Heritage Month, a time that recognizes the history and culture of the Polish American community.

Utica City Hall’s Hanna Park was filled with residents of Polish ancestry as Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri was joined by local elected officials and representatives from local Polish organizations to raise the Polish flag in recognition of Polish American Heritage Month.

According to the United States Census, there are over 8 million people living in the United States with Polish Ancestry.

“We are all very blessed to live in a community as accepting to diversity as ours and to be able to celebrate our heritage of our forefathers and share the ties of Polish history and Polish culture,” said Ela Pawlowski, vice president of the Polish Community Club.

“This is a very, very important day for us and to be privileged to raise this flag, it’s truly an honor,” Pawlowski added.

Before the Polish flag was raised, the mayor spoke to the crowd of local Polish Americans on the significance of their ancestors and their contributions to the Mohawk Valley.

“If we look back over the years, it’s the Poles, the Germans, Irish, the Italians, who have made the foundation of our city to be what it is,” Palmieri said. “Without the Polish heritage, the city of Utica would not be what it is today.”

Palmieri also announced a proclamation, where he declared the month of October to be Polish Heritage Month in the city of Utica.

The crowd of proud local Polish Americans watched and cheered as the mayor and local Polish Americans came together and raised the Polish flag to fly over Utica City Hall.

The Polish flag will remain waving at Utica City Hall for the remainder of the month.