The weather has been cold, blustery and snowy. People are walking around bundled up to the max and often can be seen carrying shovels and ice choppers. Valentine’s Day has now come and gone and all of this points to one thing in South Boston: preparations are in their final stages for the big annual St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day parade.
Even though most of us have only recently started giving the parade a second thought, the Christmas holidays tend to occupy our thoughts at least until the first of the year has passed, The hard working members of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council as always, have been planning the parade for months, probably starting almost immediately after the last marcher crossed the finish line during last year’s parade. They are that dedicated and committed to putting on a fantastic procession and giving this neighborhood a day to look forward to and enjoy.
This year’s parade promises to be huge and will certainly not disappoint. The 2017 Parade Chief Marshal has been selected – the very capable Dan Magoon, who is also the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund and the invited marching units are confirming at a rapid pace and it will be an impressive list making this year’s event one of the biggest parades ever.
In recent years, the parade has continued to grow. Averaging over the years more than 130 marching units and floats, this year is pointing to more than 150 overall units participating making it one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day processions in the entire world. Marching Bands will be coming in from as far away as Colorado, Florida and of course the surrounding New England states.
As always, there will be a heavy concentration of crowd pleasing armed forces contingents which will include military organizations with squads representing past eras including Revolutionary, Civil, WW II, Vietnam and Gulf Wars and of course current active and Reserve units as well. All the branches will be represented including the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. First responders will be well represented too as Fire Trucks and police horses; always a favorite among the kids will be taking part with pride. Colorful floats from a variety of organizations will dot the procession. Families will be delighted with the wide array of attractions among the units as they are each year.
South Boston is fortunate to have such a dedicated group – volunteers all, who work so hard putting together a parade each year that the South Boston Community can be proud of. The South Boston Allied War Veterans Council and its commander Bill Desmond strive to make this event better with each passing year. They deserve very special praise for their efforts. If you would like to help with this effort; either financially of as a volunteer yourself, go to the parade’s website at www.southbostonparade.org .
