NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) — President Duda of Poland made a historic state visit to Connecticut Sunday. He and the First Lady of Poland attended mass in New Britain early Sunday afternoon, and then addressed an enthusiastic crowd of thousands in Walnut Hill Park.
Related: The President of Poland’s state visit to CT, attends mass in New Britain
It was a beautiful day in Walnut Park, with lots of Polish Pride all over New Britain and thousands of people there to let President Duda know it.
News 8’s LaSalle Blanks is live in New Britain talking not only to Polish press, but also to Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz – the first Polish-American to hold that office – and State Representative Jahana Hayes, who represents New Britain in Hartford.
Duda’s speech began almost an hour late, but that did not dampen the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd.
Polish-Americans make up Connecticut’s 3rd largest ethnic group, and 30% of the population New Britain is of Polish descent.
President Duda is the first head-of-state ever to visit Connecticut. The history of this day is not lost on some of the VIPs who greeted the president.
Stay tuned to WTNH.com as we cover President Duda’s state visit throughout the day and evening.
