Did you know that the first St. Patrick's Day parade was started by none other than George Washington himself?
In 1780, during the American Revolutionary War, Washington's army was stationed in Morristown, New Jersey. At the time, many of his soldiers were Irish immigrants who had joined the Continental Army to fight for American independence. On St. Patrick's Day of that year, General Washington issued a proclamation to honor and thank the Irish soldiers for their service.
In recognition of the contribution of the Irish soldiers, Washington allowed his troops to observe St. Patrick's Day with a special meal, which included corned beef and cabbage. This was a gesture of goodwill towards the Irish soldiers, who were a crucial part of the Continental Army.
Over time, St. Patrick's Day became a popular holiday in America, especially in areas with large Irish populations. In the mid-19th century, the first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in New York City, and it has since become a tradition in many other cities across the country.
In Morristown, the St. Patrick's Day parade was first held in 1979, and it has since become a cherished community event. The parade brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, and to honor the contributions of Irish immigrants to American society.
We are proud to continue this tradition, and we invite you to join us for the upcoming Morristown St. Patrick's Day Parade. It will be a day filled with joy, laughter, and camaraderie, as we celebrate our shared history and culture.
I hope to see you there!
