The Quadrangle

Issue date: 3/23/05 Section: Features

Thousands gathered to march a route that has been marched time and time again by our parents, grandparents, and all our Irish ancestors that have passed before us. Thus the Manhattan Gaelic Society gathers and organizes a group to go and march each and every year as well. The Gaelic Society is the club on campus that gathers together to celebrate and remember their Irish heritage and background. Last Thursday the current students and fellow Alumni marched side by side in what was New York City's 244th St. Patrick's Day Parade. One of the longest standing parades in the country, nothing could keep the Irish away from celebrating such a fine event. Although it's not quite spring yet, they has no such problems this year and could not have asked for a better day. The sun was shining and St. Patrick himself would have been proud of the outturn last week.

Although this is traditionally supposed to be a sacred celebration, but like many other holidays in America, St. Patrick's Day has become what is known as a "Hallmark" Holiday. Anyone with any Irish affiliations, or wishes that they could be, flocks to see this parade. Some even pretend to be, because everyone seems to think they're Irish on St. Paddy's day, at least for a few hours. People from all over the country come to see the pipers in their kilts, the girls doing their step dances, and all the matching bands that add a little flavor and zest to the days festivities. Many of the people in the crowd drink their green beer, put on fake brogues for awhile, and wear those funky looking green and white Waldo hats. A little silly if you ask me, but not what the day is meant to be all about.

For the true Irish at heart who gather to march know what it's all about. The parade is sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), and more than 150,000 people from various Irish societies in New York and Ireland gather in Manhattan to march the two miles up 5th Avenue each and every year. They do it not only to honor of St. Patrick, but in remembrance and to embrace our Irish heritage as well.

Marching in the parade is an Honor, and that's how it should be looked upon by everyone. Especially those who march along with Manhattan. Our college, which is probably one of the most Irish rich communities around, knows the importance of this parade and what we symbolize when we march. This year the showing looked weak to begin with, but by noon the Manhattan faithful had grown and a crowd of at least 400 strong was willing and waiting to take on 5th Ave, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the rest of the crowd that awaited them.

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