Why Cancelling the 250th St. Patrick’s Day Parade Was a Mistake
An excerpt from a Patron -
FOX29 News - The Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Observance Association released the following statement Tuesday night, "After heartfelt consideration and serious conversation with officials from the City of Philadelphia, the St. Patrick's Day Observance Association has decided to cancel the parade and all events related to the 2020 Philadelphia Saint Patrick's Day Parade. This decision was made with significant input from civic and parade participants."
1771. Five years before our Nation’s Declaration of Independence was signed, Philadelphia celebrated its first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Irishmen marched in tribute of their proud heritage, and celebrated that they lived in a country where they had the freedom to express their culture, values and faith. The parade was run by the Society of Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, and was founded to benefit the struggling immigrant community from the Emerald Isle. Thousands of Irish men and women fled the paralysis of their homeland to participate in the American Dream. Coming across the Atlantic on ships built by hopes and dreams, immigrants arrived to find dense, crowded urban cities where “No Irish Need Apply”. The very poverty that forced so many to flee their motherland seemed to follow them across the pond - the Irish would not be beat though. Forged by large families and tight-knit neighborhoods, Irish immigrant communities set their roots in metropolises like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. As America rose to a worldly power, so did its burgeoning Irish population. This population - known for its industriousness, loyalty and charm - infiltrated local enterprise, athletics, and politics with a vigor unbeknownst to the American ‘natives’. Alas, since the birth of this wonderful experiment that is America, the Irish of Philadelphia have marched onward and upward.
Fast forward 250 years. The Irish population that was once scorned has become commonplace in America. The poverty and struggle that marked the 19th Century was replaced by themes of progress and prosperity in the 20th. Uplifted by singers (Crosby), actors (Cagney), athletes (Dempsey) and a President (Kennedy), the Irish took their seat at the forefront of American culture. Despite this unprecedented rise, they made sure not to forget their turbulent past. The one constant that links those years of trial and those of triumph has been the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
For many Americans, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an excuse for a Sunday out in the city with friends and family - it’s a day when all citizens can claim Irish heritage! Why that is all well and good, for those that participate, the Parade means much more. There is something symbolic about a march. It represents a tenacity, a persistence, a fight not present in most public gatherings. The causes are countless, and each experience is unique, but here are few reasons why the Irish have marched for 250 years...
Irish Americans march in honor of the rebels - those that were put to death by the hands of the British Crown.
Irish Americans march in remembrance of the Famine - a solemn reminder of the fragility of life.
Irish Americans march for the Brigades - those valiant immigrants that supported the Union and fought for the freedom of man.
Irish Americans march for Independence - because life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should be granted to all citizens of the world - regardless of class or creed.
Irish Americans march for their Patron Saint - for without the devout faith of their forefathers this Parade would not have survived.
Since 1771, Irish Philadelphians from Swampoodle to Grays Ferry, Willow Grove to Ridley, Germantown to Second Street, have gathered each March near City Hall in celebration of this history. The parade has stood the test of time, and is junior to only New York’s parade of the same color. Men, women, and children flood the city streets for a day of laughter, cheer and good fun. For many, the Sunday before March 17 is circled on the calendar months in advance. Unfortunately for them, those celebrations will have to wait a year. After discussing with the City Council, the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Observance Association has canceled the Parade, citing coronavirus concerns.
The decision to cancel the 250th St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a disgrace to our city and its predecessors. This move appears to be a direct order from the Mayor’s office, as just yesterday Parade Grand Marshall Michael J. Bradley Jr. said that “The fact is we have to continue as a population to go on with our lives… We don’t have any plans of stopping this parade on Sunday.” Well said, Grand Marshall. We should not be encouraged to live in fear. This move seems to be a direct result of the dilution of culture, values and faith in our society. If participants want to march of their own accord, so be it, let them march. This Parade has too much value to too many citizens to be canceled on such short notice. One would think our so called ‘Irish Catholic’ Mayor would understand this concept.
If anything else, the tragedy of this year’s parade will only strengthen the celebration in 2021. If the Irish have proven one thing, it’s their instinctive ability to overcome adversity. The 250th Anniversary of the Parade will surely be the best one yet. One more thing’s for certain, those who planned to march in the Parade this Sunday will still take to the streets, virus or not… As our friends of the Wolfe Tones say, “You’ll Never Beat the Irish!”
May the Irish of Philadelphia continue to march for 250 more years…
- M.B
