IV 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 161 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

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.