[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 161 Introduced in House (IH)]

112th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 161

 Honoring the 250th anniversary of New York's St. Patrick's Day parade.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 10, 2011

   Mr. Crowley (for himself and Mr. King of New York) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight 
                         and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Honoring the 250th anniversary of New York's St. Patrick's Day parade.

Whereas, on March 17, 2011, New York will host its 250th annual St. Patrick's 
        Day parade;
Whereas the modern New York St. Patrick's Day parade is the largest parade in 
        the world, with hundreds of thousands of participants and millions of 
        spectators participating each year;
Whereas the parade was first celebrated in 1762, before the American Revolution 
        and 14 years before the Declaration of Independence;
Whereas the parade is named after the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick;
Whereas early parade participants wore the color green at a time when wearing 
        such a color was illegal in Ireland;
Whereas the parade moves along Fifth Avenue in view of St. Patrick's Cathedral, 
        the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and American Irish Historical Society;
Whereas the 69th Infantry Regiment of the New York Army National Guard, also 
        known as the ``Fighting 69'', leads the parade route;
Whereas parade participants celebrate Irish history, sing Irish songs, and 
        perform Irish music;
Whereas the Ancient Order of Hibernians have played an integral role in the 
        parade;
Whereas current and former Members of Congress have served as Grand Marshals of 
        the parade;
Whereas United States Presidents, Senators, Governors, Mayors, and many other 
        elected officials have participated in the parade;
Whereas President Harry Truman participated in the parade in 1948 to honor the 
        contributions of Irish-Americans to the United States victory in World 
        War II;
Whereas marching bands from every county in Ireland and throughout the United 
        States participate in the parade;
Whereas Irish culture has contributed greatly to the culture, politics, and 
        history of the United States;
Whereas the parade has played a role in the history of the United States on 
        numerous occasions, including in 2002 when the entire 1.5 mile parade 
        stood silently and paused facing the World Trade Center in honor of the 
        heroes of 9/11; and
Whereas many St. Patrick's Day parades throughout the United States have evolved 
        from their beginnings as a show of unity by Irish immigrants into United 
        States institutions: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors New York's St. Patrick's Day parade on its 250th 
        anniversary; and
            (2) recognizes the leadership of and participants in the 
        parade and other St. Patrick's Day parades throughout the 
        United States for their efforts to celebrate and honor St. 
        Patrick, Ireland, and the history of Irish-Americans in the 
        United States.
                                 <all>