Ann Paletko, daughter of Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko, assists the mayor with his new medal during the Oct. 18 Polish American Central Citizens Committee Pulaski Day Banquet.
HEIGHTS — Mayor Daniel Paletko was honored recently by the Polish American Central Citizens Committee as a recipient of the organization’s 2009 Pulaski Medal.
The award, which was presented at the organization’s Oct. 18 Pulaski Day Banquet in Hamtramck, honors members of the Polish-American community for long and outstanding service to the Polish-American community. The banquet was the culmination of a daylong celebration recognizing the organization’s 95th year of service to the Polish-American community, and included a wreath laying and Mass celebrated by Cardinal Edmund Szoka.
“Our Polish heritage has always been a source of pride in my family, and I am humbled by this recognition from the Polish American Central Citizens Committee” Paletko said.
During his acceptance speech, the mayor reflected on his early beginnings, when he frequented his father’s appliance store on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck.
“The sense of community was always there” he said. “It was a great experience, and it has played a major role in helping define who I am today. Southeast Michigan is rich with the cultural traditions and contributions of the Polish people, and I am proud to say our community is one of those that is still considered home to many who share this heritage.”
Paletko was joined by five other awardees who also were recognized for their contributions to the Polish-American community.
The Polish American Central Citizens Committee represents more than 200 political, social and cultural Polish-American organizations throughout the metropolitan Detroit area. It is dedicated to serving the members of the Polish-American community, while keeping alive the long-standing traditions of the Polish community.