New York, NY October 7th, 2010 – Today, New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee members laid a wreath at “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in recognition of two and a half centuries of Irish Americans service in the armed forces of the United States of America. The ceremony is part of a year-long celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Parade which is the oldest and largest Parade in the world.

The wreath laying is symbolic for many reasons. Not only is this a historic milestone in the history of the Parade which has celebrated Irish-American culture, faith and heritage for two and a half centuries, it also signifies the close connection between the Parade and the United States Armed Forces. “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” honors the unidentified American soldiers who gave their lives in World War I, II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. While we can never put names to these remains, we do know the Irish have a rich history of American military involvement as early as the War of 1812. Even before the United States won its independence, many Irish found solace in the religious and cultural liberties the American colonies offered.

“For the past two and a half centuries, the Parade has honored those men and women who have served and laid down their lives in the service of the United States. Indeed the Parade in New York City has been escorted for the past 159 years by the famous Irish regiment “The Fighting 69th”, said John Dunleavy Parade Chairman. “We are here today to honor, respect and pay homage to all of them”, he said. “Indeed many of the Medal of Honor recipients, the highest military decoration for valor presented by the United States government have been Irish Americans, with names such as Dougherty, Hayden, McNamara, Clancy, Daly, Foley, Mitchell, Murray, Ryan, Smith, Grady, Moffett, Donovan, Ellis, Gaffney, Kelly, O’Neill, O’Shea, Regan, Sullivan, Ward, Burke, Fitzmaurice, Foley, Fleming, Fox, Jennings, and more recently Michal P. Murphy from Smithtown, New York” he said.

The first New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade in 1762 was organized by Irish military serving in the British Army. Those Parade participants reveled in the freedom they found in America by speaking Gaelic, wear “the green”, sing Irish songs and play bagpipes. The same is still true today!

The Parade in New York has always reflected a United Ireland with representatives from all of the 32 counties marching together up Fifth Avenue, something that is now very significant given the recent development of peace and cooperation in modern Ireland.

To commemorate the proud tradition of honoring America’s Armed Forces and the significant role Irish Americans have played in the protection of our country, the Parade committee was invited to lay the wreath at the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” by Major General Karl Horst, Commanding General of Joint Force Headquarters—National Capitol Region and the U.S Military District of Washington. Invited by Major General Horst to the ceremony were John T. Dunleavy- Parade Chairman, Michael H. Cassels-Chairman of the Chief Reviewing Area and Carla Perlowin Chadwick-Parade’s Communications Specialist, each having a close personal connection to the military.

“We are all privileged to live in the greatest county in the world, the United States of America: A nation of immigrants and a land of endless opportunity,” says Mr. Dunleavy who admits that laying the wreath was one of the proudest moments in his life.