ST. PATRICK’S DAY 2023

Around the world each year, millions of people with Irish ancestry celebrate on March 17, the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick.  He is credited with converting the Irish to Christianity.  I am very proud of my own Irish ancestry.  The Davises came to America from rural County Carlow, which is located in southeastern Ireland.

Our St. Patrick’s Parade in Bayonne is always a major event.  It attracts thousands of current and former residents, and people from elsewhere who enjoy a great parade. We are very glad that this festive occasion returned Bayonne last year after a hiatus caused by the Coronavirus.

The 2023 parade will take place on Sunday, March 19.  The parade will kick off at 1:00 p.m. at 5th Street and Broadway.  The march will continue up Broadway to 39th Street.  After turning onto West 39th Street, the parade will turn right onto Avenue C.  Marchers will pass the reviewing stand, which will be located between West 40th and West 41st Streets at the entrance to Gregg-Bayonne County Park.  The grand marshal of this year’s parade, Gabrielle Figueroa, has worked very hard for the parade committee for several years.  After passing the reviewing stand, the parade will break up in the park.  The line of march is available for viewing on the City of Bayonne website, so that you can see where your organization is scheduled to march.

Here in Bayonne, the Irish began arriving in large numbers in the 1800’s.  Most came here with very little money and a strong willingness to work hard.  Many of the early Irish immigrants lived in the old Fourth Ward (now part of the First Ward) in the Bergen Point area.

Bayonne’s Irish-American community has been noted for its large presence in the government sector.  Irish-American elected officials, police officers, firefighters, civil servants, school administrators, and teachers have played major roles in our city’s history.

Wherever the Irish have gone, they have brought their religious faith, great music, and gift for language with them.  The Irish also carry memories of suffering from religious persecution, poverty, foreign occupation, and the potato famine.

Millions of Irish-Americans are grateful for the opportunities this country has provided.  Irish-Americans should be proud of our progress in this country and of our cultural heritage.  I look forward to seeing you at the parade!