This is the time of the year again when more than a million, dressed in green, fill the streets of the most Irish city of America for the St. Patrick Day parade in South Boston, celebrating the heritage and contribution of all who are native to the emerald island.
The parade on Sunday dates from the late 20th century and celebrates both St. Patrick Day and Evacuation Day, which celebrates the day in 1776, when British troops left Boston after a prolonged siege during the Revolutionary War.
The parade of 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) rolls through the South Boston neighborhood, the center of Irish-American heritage in a city, where more than 1 in every 5 people are of Irish origin. The Southern Boston Allies Council is organizing a parade, and this year’s Marshal is a retired Navy Lieutenant CMDR. Alana Devlin Ball, who grew up in the neighborhood and presented the United States at the Invictus 2023 Games in Germany, where she took home -made gold in Powerlifting.
“Lt. CDR. Devlin Ball’s 12 -year career at the Navy serves as an inspiration for young women who seek to serve in today’s military. We are grateful for her service, victim and power for example, “said US reporter Stephen Lynch, a native of South Boston.
The parade is planned to start a little earlier in the morning than normal. Last year’s events were eclipsed by violence and public intoxication that employees say they hope to limit on Sunday.
The purpose of the parade is “maintaining the living tradition of honoring the inheritance and service,” said a statement by the Council for War Veterans.
The parade is also a source of political disputes years ago. The South Boston Union Military Veterans Council banned gay rights groups from marching in the parade until a decade ago, and the US Supreme Court confirmed this right in the 90s.
Two gay and Lesbian groups joined the parade in 2015. The organizers for one of the groups, Boston Pride, announced this moment of progress.
Chicago held his St. Patrick parade on Saturday. Philadelphia also celebrates on Sunday, and New York holds his parade on Monday.