Honoring The Saint Patrick's Day Observance Association for their efforts in organizing the 244th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

WHEREAS, The first documented St. Patrick's Day Parade in Philadelphia was held in 1771, five years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. This years' parade, taking place on March 16th 2014, will mark over 240 continuous years of festivities; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, these celebrations have reflected the times with several themes emerging; religious, patriotism, honoring military service, the remembrance of the political struggles in Ireland and also the celebration of Irish culture; and

WHEREAS, The theme of the 2014 Parade is St. Patrick, Bless the Contributions of

Irish Americans to Our Nation. Philadelphia has had a strong Irish presence since the

founding of our City. The Irish were instrumental in the building of many of our

churches, schools, libraries and other institutions that Philadelphians now consider some

of our most cherished and historic treasures; and

WHEREAS, The St. Patrick's Day Parade is a long standing event of great civic pride. It has over 20,000 participants and more than 150 groups are represented, including marching bands, dance groups, youth clubs and Irish associations, making it the largest annual parade in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The Grand Marshal of this year's event is Jim Murray, former general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles. Jim is the founder and driving force behind several charitable groups, including the Ronald McDonald House and The Eagles Fly for Leukemia; and

WHEREAS, The Saint Patrick's Day Observance Association was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1952 and is charged with the monumental task of organizing and hosting the parade each year. The association is led by their President, Robert Gessler, 1st Vice President Chris Phillips, 2nd Vice President Mary Frances Fogg, Treasurer Harry Marnie, Secretary John Stevenson and Parade Director Michael Bradley; now therefore

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and congratulate The Saint Patrick's Day Observance Association for their efforts in organizing the 244th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

RESOLVED FURTHER, That an engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Board of Directors of the St. Patrick's Day Observance Association, further evidencing the grateful appreciation and deep admiration of this legislative body.

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