From the Editor: Why We Sponsor St. Patrick's Day Parade

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To Our Readers
Did I ever mention my maiden name is Shaughnessy? It’s why St. Patrick’s Day is a Holy Day of Obligation of sorts and one of the many reasons we are Rumson’s 3rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade’s Media sponsor. The parade, to begin at 1 p.m., March 8, at Victory Park will be a fine assemblage of 15 marching bands, bagpipers, floats, active military and veterans organizations, Irish Step Dancers, antique cars, Scouting organizations, non-profit clubs, novelty acts, area businesses and civic groups, dogs, horses and, of course “a few great” surprises. The staff of The Two River Times will be marching in the parade as well and extend “Mile Failte” (a hundred thousand welcomes) to our readers to come join us. Philip D. Murphy, a Middletown resident with close ties to Rumson, civic engagement and philanthropy, will be the grand marshal leading the festivities.
If last year’s number of attendees at 900-plus is any indication, the parade, to be held rain or shine, will attract a good deal of Irish Two River area residents and those simply “wishin to wear the Green “and being Irish just for a day.
The events leading up to the parade that help raise funds for the 2015 charity picks this year – Jason’s Dreams for Kids and S.P.U.R. (Special People United to Ride) – promise to be just as much fun. Be sure to stop by Molly Maguire’s Fundraiser 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 for Bloody Callan Band playing Gaelic, American Rock Classics & a lorry-load of rebel music, complete with a free buffet and bagpipers for a mere $10 donation. Then on Sunday, March 1, attend the free Green Tree Lighting at Victory Park at 4:30 p.m. and enjoy the music, food and refreshments served. Mayor John Ekdahl will announce the Michael J. Larkin Eassay Competition winner as well. After all, that tiny isle produced quite a few great writers.
The investiture cocktail reception will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 March 5 at Salt Creek Grille. Tickets are $75 and reservations can be made at info@rumsonstpatricksdayparade.org. Like all good Irish parties, there’s an after party at 7 p.m. Thursday March 12 at Molly Maguire’s for an armchair tour of Ireland and sing-along.
Why do so many participate and more line the streets for a parade? It’s the epitome of community and harkens us back to simpler times. It’s that moment when you can get a lump in your throat watching the little ones waving their flags and feeling so vitally important carrying the colors of both the USA and Ireland. Or it’s that heart-wrenching moment of silence when we’re asked to remember those who have given their lives for our right to peacefully gather. Or it can be simply tradition. In my case, it’s honoring my ancestors who crossed the big pond to find a better life after the crops went bad. My Uncle Patrick (Pake) actually went down on the Titanic but before he did, he saved a British woman’s life. He found a man dressed as a woman in a lifeboat, tossed him into the sea and he placed the woman into the lifeboat in his place. As the boat was being lowered, she asked what she could ever do to thank him. His response, “Tell my mother Delia Shaughnessy in Tynah, Ireland how I died.” That was no easy task back then but the woman made the trek to the west coast of Ireland to County Galway and broke the news personally to his mum. There is a monument to Pake in the town cemetery that reads simply “The Hero of the Titanic.” He wasn’t alone, to be sure, but to his family that was the clan’s proudest moment; that when faced with death, a Shaughnessy did the right thing, the honorable thing.
So, let’s march together March 8, tip a few after and celebrate the spirit of community that binds us. I’d love to hear your Irish story.

Let’s have an Irish coffee!
Jody Calendar
jcalendar@tworivertimes
732-219-5788