IV 
112TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 161 
Honoring the 250th anniversary of New York’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MARCH 10, 2011 
Mr. CROWLEY (for himself and Mr. KING of New York) submitted the fol-
lowing resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform 
RESOLUTION 
Honoring the 250th anniversary of New York’s St. Patrick’s 
Day parade. 
Whereas, on March 17, 2011, New York will host its 250th 
annual St. Patrick’s Day parade; 
Whereas the modern New York St. Patrick’s Day parade is 
the largest parade in the world, with hundreds of thou-
sands of participants and millions of spectators partici-
pating each year; 
Whereas the parade was first celebrated in 1762, before the 
American Revolution and 14 years before the Declaration 
of Independence; 
Whereas the parade is named after the Patron Saint of Ire-
land, St. Patrick; 
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•HRES 161 IH 
Whereas early parade participants wore the color green at a 
time when wearing such a color was illegal in Ireland; 
Whereas the parade moves along Fifth Avenue in view of St. 
Patrick’s Cathedral, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 
and American Irish Historical Society; 
Whereas the 69th Infantry Regiment of the New York Army 
National Guard, also known as the ‘‘Fighting 69’’, leads 
the parade route; 
Whereas parade participants celebrate Irish history, sing 
Irish songs, and perform Irish music; 
Whereas the Ancient Order of Hibernians have played an in-
tegral role in the parade; 
Whereas current and former Members of Congress have 
served as Grand Marshals of the parade; 
Whereas United States Presidents, Senators, Governors, 
Mayors, and many other elected officials have partici-
pated in the parade; 
Whereas President Harry Truman participated in the parade 
in 1948 to honor the contributions of Irish-Americans to 
the United States victory in World War II; 
Whereas marching bands from every county in Ireland and 
throughout the United States participate in the parade; 
Whereas Irish culture has contributed greatly to the culture, 
politics, and history of the United States; 
Whereas the parade has played a role in the history of the 
United States on numerous occasions, including in 2002 
when the entire 1.5 mile parade stood silently and paused 
facing the World Trade Center in honor of the heroes of 
9/11; and 
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•HRES 161 IH 
Whereas many St. Patrick’s Day parades throughout the 
United States have evolved from their beginnings as a 
show of unity by Irish immigrants into United States in-
stitutions: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) honors New York’s St. Patrick’s Day pa-
rade on its 250th anniversary; and 
(2) recognizes the leadership of and partici-
pants in the parade and other St. Patrick’s Day pa-
rades throughout the United States for their efforts 
to celebrate and honor St. Patrick, Ireland, and the 
history of Irish-Americans in the United States. 
Æ 
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