NEW YORK – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and The Adjutant General for New York, Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy await the start of the St. Patrick’s Day mass here March 16. The mass is held prior to the start of the city parade to celebrate the Irish heritage of New York and bless the New York Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry for their unique role in Irish American history. The 69th Infantry has led the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade since for the past 162 years, including the years of the regiment’s wartime service in WWI, WWII and Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Col. Richard Goldenberg, New York Army National Guard.