It was a sea of green on March 16, as the 39th Annual Brooklyn Saint Patrick’s Day Parade was held in Park Slope. People of all ages and from all over took part in the historic parade to show off their Irish pride with flags, shirts and painted faces.
During the morning of the event, a Pre-Parade Mass took place at Holy Name of Jesus Church, followed by a “Re-Dedication Ceremony” which was held to honor the heroes and victims of 9/11, a tradition that has taken place since the tragic events in 2001.
The parade began at 1 p.m. with pastor of Holy Name Church, Reverend James Cunningham, the grand marshal for the year’s celebratory march. The Fort Hamilton High School Band added to the festivities with its musical performances, along with the Tulla Pipe Band, the O’Malley Dancers, the Society of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick’s, vintage cars and many more.
The Parade Committee dedicated this year’s celebration to the memory of Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan, who was the Parade’s grand marshal in 1985.
The march started at 15th Street and Prospect Park West. Aides to the grand marshal included Frank Carroll; Paul Finnegan; Captain James Grant, the commanding officer of the 72nd Precinct; James Keenaghan; Mary O’Hara; Anne Strafaci; Edward Velinskie and Mary O’Donnell Lorenzen.
The Brooklyn Irish American Parade Committee was formed in 1975 to pay homage to the contributions of the Irish community in the borough.