A Few Raindrops Couldn’t Stop Those Million Irish Eyes From Smiling

**The Famous Emerald Society FDNY Pipes and Drum Band Leads the Way**

The morning ride into NYC resembled a mid-March sunrise in Ireland with low hanging clouds and a misty top of the morning. A rain forecast couldn’t damper the high spirits of the Irish marchers and revelers coming out to 5th Ave. to celebrate the 264th version of one of the greatest parades in the nation. One thing unique to this parade is there are no floats, no cars, no trucks. All marchers must do just that….march….just as they did in the original one in 1762. Of course the parade has evolved over the years, but the celebration of Irish song and dance with pipes and drum bands remains the same. Since 1851, the “Fighting Irish” of the 69th Regiment of NY has opened the parade. This year was no exception except there were much fewer military marching than in previous years….guess the DOGE effects are starting to hit home.

**The “Fighting Irish” of the 69th Regiment with the Lone Bagpipes and two Irish Wolfhounds**

**My favorite ladies at the parade represent the spirit of the St. Patrick’s Day parade.**

**Police Emerald Society of Westchester County Waiting Their Turn**

The parade committee does great work in putting on this major event. Although everyone enjoys the fanfare and celebration, the organizers also help to raise funds for scholarships to both college and high school students. They also go to great lengths in selecting the person to be honored as Grand Marshall. This year’s Grand Marshall was Michael Benn, a retired union member of Carpenters and of Operating Engineers. Mr. Benn is also President of the Queens St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rockaway Beach. For Mr. Benn it was a dream come true to lead the parade of the biggest celebration of Irish culture. The parade makes a pitstop in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as Archbishop Timothy Dolan greets the marchers. Several judges are along the parade route ready to give high marks to those groups that embody the Irish spirit. It’s also a chance to watch some top notch High School marching bands from across the country.

**Grand Marshall Michael Benn Waving to the Crowd**

**Band From Donegal Ireland Getting the Crowd Worked Up**

**Lancers From Londonderry New Hampshire Make Their Mark**

**Taking a Breather Before the Long March**

The parade route from 44th to 79th streets on 5th Avenue were lined up with well over a million revelers cheering on their family and friends and total strangers that made their way up the mile and half walk. It’s always great to see people dress up for the event. It truly is a sight to see how many people get into the best and greatest celebration of Irish culture in NYC and the world. In honor of Grand Marshall Michael Benn, a native of Limerick, it’s only fitting to end this with a limerick…..

There once was a girl names Irene

Who lived on distilled kerosene

But she started absorbing,

A new hydrocarbon,

And since then has never benzene.

Related articles and videos:

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Organizers: https://www.nycstpatricksparade.org/

Michael Benn, Grand Marshall: https://nypost.com/2025/03/16/us-news/nyc-st-patricks-day-parade-to-be-led-by-retired-carpenter-and-grandpa-from-queens/

69th Infantry Regiment NY: https://museum.dmna.ny.gov/unit-history/infantry-1/69th-infantry-regiment

Start of the Parade Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw57MfedxUk

Emerald Society NYPD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOXYiP2RCOo

Emerald Society FDNY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=017JK8k6a-k&t=25s