HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY !

The first official parade in New York City was held in 1766 by Irishmen in a military unit recruited to serve in the American colonies. For the first few years of its existence, the parade was organized by military units until after the war of 1812. At that point in time, Irish fraternal and beneficial societies took over the duties of hosting and sponsoring the event. In those days, the parade was quite small, marching from their meeting halls to Old St. Patrick's Cathedral in Lower Manhattan on Mott & Prince Streets. By 1851, the groups had banded together, nominating a Grand Marshall and increasing the size of the parade. This was when the Irish 69th Regiment (now the 165th Infantry) became the lead marchers and the Ancient Order of Hibernians became the official sponsor.


To this day, the St. Patrick's Day Parade remains true to its roots by not allowing floats, automobiles and other commercial aspects in. Marching is what you'll see. Great bands, be they bagpipes or an entire orchestra, over 150,000 people from all over the country and the world march each year.

When law can stop the blades of grass
from growin' as they grow,
An' when the leaves in summer time
their color dare not show,
Then I will change the color, too,
I wear in my caubeen;
But till that day, plaise God,
I'll stick to the Wearin' o' the Green.
~Author Unknown

The Pogues and The Dubliners - Jack's Heroes