Mayor Wilson proclaims 30th Annual Portland Polish Festival this weekend

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In accordance with this acknowledgement, we recognize:

Whereas, the City of Portland recognizes and celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of Polish Americans who have helped strengthen the social, cultural, educational, and economic fabric of our community; and

Whereas, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, providing an opportunity to reflect on the enduring bonds between the American and Polish peoples, founded upon shared ideals of freedom, democracy, human dignity, and the right of nations and peoples to determine their own future; and

Whereas, the 1619 Polish craftsmen protest in the colony of Jamestown, Virginia marked the first recorded labor strike in American history in defense of democracy and civil rights, which successfully forced colonial authorities to expand voting rights and civil liberties to non-English residents and thereby trailblazed a path for future actions safeguarding the voting rights of all lawful residents of the country; and

Whereas, Poland and the United States share a remarkable history of friendship dating back to the American struggle for independence, when Polish patriots: General Tadeusz Kościuszko and General Casimir Pulaski contributed to the cause of American liberty from 1776; and

Whereas, the ideals of liberty and self-government that inspired the American Revolution were also reflected in the adoption of the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791, recognized as the first modern written constitution in Europe and the second in the world, following the United States Constitution; and

Whereas, the Polish people endured 123 years of partitions and the loss of their independence from 1795 until 1918, yet preserved their national identity, language, culture, and determination to regain freedom; and

Whereas, following Poland's democratic transformation in 1989 and its accession to NATO in 1999, the relationship between Poland and the United States has grown into a strong and enduring strategic partnership, grounded in shared democratic values and a commitment to transatlantic security, peace, and prosperity; and

Whereas, the Polish-American community continues to serve as an important bridge between the United States and Poland, preserving Polish heritage while contributing to the cultural diversity and vitality of American communities; and

Whereas, the Portland Polish Festival, now celebrating its 30th Anniversary, has for three decades brought together residents and visitors of the Portland area to celebrate Polish culture, traditions, music, arts, history, and cuisine, while fostering friendship and understanding between the Polish and American communities;

Now, therefore, I, Keith Wilson, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the "City of Roses," do hereby proclaim September 19 & 20, 2026, to be 30^th Annual Portland Polish Festival, and hereby encourage all Portland community members to engage with and support the Festival and celebrate its contributions.