| A Letter From the Grand Council President |
St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching and many of our Emerald Societies, and Pipe Bands, are preparing to march in the various local St. Patrick's Day parades. The largest and most famous is the New York City parade up 5th Avenue.
As many of you are aware, there was considerable controversy last year between the FDNY Emerald Society, Grand Council and the Parade Committee. One of the issues was an allegation of non-FDNY firefighters marching within the Emerald Society contingent and carrying an unauthorized banner in 2006. Despite the fact that these out of town firefighters were not part of the FDNY contingent, the New York Firefighers were held accountable. The Emerald Society was moved to a much later step off for the 2007 parade. The efforts of FDNY Emerald Society President, Bill Nolan, and myself were unsuccessful in preventing this punishment.
I am happy to say that for the 2008 parade in New York City, the FDNY Emerald Society will return to their proper place in the line of march! The return of the Emeralds is due to the efforts of President Nolan, and his executive board's, ongoing dialogue with Parade Chairman Dunleavey. The Firefighters of the FDNY Emerald Society proved to the parade committee that they belonged in their rightful place in this historic parade.
The Firefighters return does carry with it certain stipulations that they must meet. President Nolan has appealled to his membership to continue to march with pride and respect as they proceed up the avenue. The FDNY Emerald Society is also asking that out of town fire departments not join in the FDNY line of march. Firefighters from other states or countries must contact the parade committee directly and request permission to march! With the perserverance of the Emerald Society's members and the cooperation of their peers, this will be an issue that is resolved once and for all.
I hope that as we all celebrate St. Patrick's Day we continue to show New Yorkers, and people everywhere, what makes our Irish heritage so important. Have a safe and enjoyable St. Patrick's Day!
Fraternally,
Tommy O'Connor, President
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