Polish Americans across Michigan are celebrating the state's Polish heritage this month.

Polish American Heritage Month is celebrated in October to honor the culture and contributions of the nation's Polish communities, including here in Michigan.

Michigan is home to the nation's third-largest Polish population with more than 850,000 residents, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proclamation recognizing the month. From the Upper Peninsula to west Michigan, mid-Michigan to southeast Michigan, Polish communities have left their mark through small businesses, churches, community associations, cultural festivals, restaurants and more.

In metro Detroit, Hamtramck was traditionally a Polish enclave known as Little Poland among Polish populations throughout the state.

"During this month

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