RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 20, 2020
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RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the 65th Anniversary of the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade
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WHEREAS, for 65 years Irish culture, tradition, and heritage have proudly been celebrated on an annual basis at the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade. Sponsored by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 UA, the parade has become a tradition shared by many generations of proud Irish men and women; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade is held in commemoration of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While born in Scotland, St. Patrick was a Christian missionary that traveled throughout Ireland preaching and building Christian churches. It is believed that St. Patrick passed away on March 17th; and
WHEREAS, it is widely believed that the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1762 in lower Manhattan, New York. While it took awhile for the tradition to catch on, St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated throughout the United States and Ireland; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest in the country. The theme of this year’s parade is “65 Years of Love, Loyalty and Friendship”; and
WHEREAS, the parade will be held on Saturday, March 14th and will honor Fr. Thomas Hurley, Pastor of Historic Old St. Pat’s Church, who will serve as the Grand Marshal of the parade. The 2020 Guests of Honor are Gaelic Park and the Irish American Heritage Center, and the 2020 Parade Queen will be Kari McClowry; and
WHEREAS, prior to the beginning of the parade, the Chicago River will be dyed bright green in honor of the parade; and
WHEREAS, generations of Chicagoans have grown up enjoying the parade, proudly wearing their green and joining in the festivities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, do hereby recognize the 65th Anniversary of the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to the General Chairman of the 2020 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade James F. Coyne.
Dated: February 20, 2020