Title
Recognizing October 2021 as the 40th Annual Polish American Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, Since 1608, when the first Polish settlers arrived at Jamestown, VA, polish people have been an integral part of America's history and culture; and
WHEREAS, The largest wave of Polish immigration occurred from 1870-1920, with an estimated 1.5 million immigrants arriving to the United States in search of better economic opportunities. Millions more came to the United States in subsequent decades following World War II and the fall of Communism; and
WHEREAS, Today, there are roughly 20 million Americans of full or partial Polish descent. Polish Americans account for nearly seven percent of the population in Pennsylvania, and the City of Philadelphia is home to a vibrant Polish American community dating back to the late nineteenth century; and
WHEREAS, During the late 1800's and early 1900's, a mini-port of entry, similar to Ellis Island in New York, was located at Delaware and Washington Avenues in South Philadelphia. This port of entry welcomed immigrants from Poland, Italy, Germany, Lithuania, Ireland and other countries; and
WHEREAS, As time passed, the new Polish American communities spanned the waterfront from South Philadelphia to the Northeast section of Philadelphia. They established themselves as a reliable and industrious workforce, especially in waterfront, railroad and manufacturing enterprises, and began to form thriving neighborhoods with churches, schools, and cultural organizations to preserve the heritage of their homeland for their descendants; and
WHEREAS, Polish Americans have made - and continue to make - invaluable contributions to our Nation in fields of academia, music, art, politics, engineering, communications, medicine, and all other professional and creative endeavors; and
WHEREAS, In a 1986 proclamation recognizing Polish American Heritage Month, President Ronald Reagan said: "We are, as a country, l...
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