To the Editor:
Dear Polish-Americans:
We all had a wonderful time marching in the General Casimir Pulaski Memorial Day Parade this past Oct. 2 with our Bayonne contingency and enjoyed free transportation to New York City and a great party back home at the Polish Cultural Center. I thank you for your participation and support. None of this would have been possible without the work of the Bayonne Pulaski Day Parade Committee.
The committee chair for the past 21 years has been Richard Romelczyk, one of the most dedicated and hard-working members Polonia has known. Richard was honored as marshal of Bayonne in 1986 and has continued his service to the organization since 1979. Richard has also served on the Gen. Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee in New York as vice president for the past five years. Perhaps you know him as an officer in your organization, as well. He is active in many local Polish-American organizations in Hudson County.
Richard is now running for the 2012 grand marshal of the entire New York Metropolitan Area parade. I had the privilege of nominating him before the Gen. Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee in New York last week. As you know, this is the top honor for a Polish-American and will bring much prestige to Bayonne and Hudson County, should he win the election. It is also notable that 2012 marks the 75th parade, its diamond anniversary. There is a possibility it may be televised.
There are currently two other candidates running for this honor. Elections will be held for members to choose the grand marshal next month. There is one simple thing you can do to help ensure Richard’s success: Become a member of the Pulaski Parade Committee. It costs $10 for an annual membership and permits you to vote in the upcoming election, Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. sharp. You must be introduced by a member, and you must submit your membership application by midnight, Monday, Oct. 31. Contact Richard at (201) 978-7793 to discuss this process further. There is less than a week to submit your application. Richard has forms, or they can be downloaded from the membership link at www.pulaskiparade.org.
The election for grand marshal will take place at the Polish Cultural Foundation, 177 Broadway, Clark, N.J. Transportation may be provided from Bayonne for those in need. Please discuss this with Richard if this is a concern.
There are times when we must give back to those who work so diligently for our greater good. Please give your support and time to help Richard win this election. It takes the concerted effort of individuals to make this happen. It is an honor for him, but also for us. Invite others to participate, as well. Richard deserves this honor, and it is up to all of us to help recognize his tireless efforts and show the pride of Bayonne and Hudson County to all Polonia.
DAYLE HALKA-VANDER SANDE
Pulaski Parade Bayonne Contingent Marshal 2011