RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, COUNCILMEMBERS DIAZ, PINEDA-ISAAC AND HODGES.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS COMMEMORATING THE 69th ANNUAL YONKERS ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND OTHER CELEBRATIONS OF IRISH-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HERITAGE IN THE CITY OF YONKERS
WHEREAS, Saint Patrick's Day is traditionally a time for people of all nationalities and generations to assemble and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Irish people in Yonkers and throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, The strong Irish-American Spirit in Yonkers has not diminished and the valuable contributions of the Irish-American People to American history, economy and society; and
WHEREAS, Saint Patrick’s Day continues to reflect and record the ongoing history of the City of Yonkers and Ireland, and provides the opportunity for people of all generations to share their sense of ethnic pride and camaraderie; and
WHEREAS, in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to, once again, commemorate the Annual Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, to include the annual Dinner Dance, the annual City Hall Flag Raising Ceremony and most significantly the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be held on March 21, 2026; and
WHEREAS, this auspicious occasion will be commemorated by Yonkers residents of all heritages throughout the City and it will be especially celebrated by the Yonkers residents who live, work or shop on McLean Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, traditionally, the Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade on McLean Avenue is comprised of representatives of many organizations as the parade is the largest cultural event in Yonkers, regularly drawing more than 10,000 people as celebrants and spectators every year for almost 70 years; and
WHEREAS, St. Patrick’s Day is not, as many believe, a celebration of the Patron Saint of Ireland’s birth, but of his death; and
WHEREAS, it was Pope Celestine I who named him Patricus, and sent him to Ireland where he tangled with the Druids over religious beliefs, and where his efforts to convert the Irish to the Catholic faith were untiring, as seen today in the significant observance of God in Irish life; and
WHEREAS, in every walk of life, in the arts, in the sciences, in the political world, in every manifestation of the human spirit, the Irish people have excelled; and
WHEREAS, a spiritual people, the Irish have ventured across the sea to this great City and Nation; throughout the ages, they have left their cares forgotten among the lilies; and
WHEREAS, from the mode and texture of that endowment, the cathedrals and colleges of our nation were built; and
WHEREAS, Irish heritage largely formed our City's character and greatly forged a unique strand in the diverse tapestry that is the City of Yonkers; and
WHEREAS, each year as we honor St. Patrick, whose life mirrored a deep and abiding example of the challenges of sainthood, we are mindful of the history of the Irish people and their struggle against oppression, religious intolerance and political, social and economic barriers; and
WHEREAS, through this heartfelt and compassionate expression, as well as through their sustained commitment to the cultural vitality of their Irish heritage particularly in the City of Yonkers, the Grand Marshal, Yonkers Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick and his Aides, Danny Browne, Sean M. Drain, Caitlin Geraghty Liberatori, Kate Kiernan-Goodwin, Sheila M. Halligan, Geoffrey Keating, Jennifer Murphy Oelkers, Frank O’Keefe, all bear witness to and embody the deep faith and love of humanity which is their rich tradition; and
WHEREAS, the Irish-American Community in Yonkers has continued to endure and thrive such that, as usual, this year’s festivities promise to be bigger, better and more enthusiastic than ever; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this City Council pause in its deliberations to commemorate the Annual Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations to include the annual Irish Flag Raising at City Hall, the annual Dinner Dance, and to culminate with the 69th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be held on March 21, 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade on McLean Avenue Parade Board and Parade Committee.