Friendly Sons of St. Patrick 2013 Parade

This Saturday the "Friendly Sons of St. Patrick" are hosting their annual St. Patricks Day Parade.  Members of the organization joined us on Studio 10 with all the fantastic details.  They also provided more information listed below about their organization and the parade.

Saturday, March 16, 2013 Parade:
In the parade you will see some of the marchers dressed as the characters known and loved by many, The Leprechauns. These generous members volunteer their time and efforts spreading good cheer to hospitals, nursing homes, specialty homes for special needs individuals, passing out throws and a welcoming smile to those in need. Come join us this year and this year’s Grand Marshall, Mr. David Patrick Wilson, Marshall Wilson has been a member for over 30 years, a Past President, USA graduate and native of Mobile. Our Marshall is proud to represent our chapter and all the chapters across the United States in celebrating the Feast Day of St. Patrick. We will show the world how good Irish Americans put forth a bit of good will and enjoy themselves to the fullest on a great day for the Irish, in the greatest land on earth.

Mobile Chapter History Bio:
The Mobile, Alabama chapter is celebrating our 60th anniversary of its founding this year. Due to the fact that the 17th of March falls on a Sunday, we are holding our festivities on Saturday, March 16th, 2013. There is a Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 10AM., followed by a Parade at 11:00-11:15 starting at Cathedral Square and circling both Cathedral and Bienville square. There are floats, marchers, bands and throws. All citizens of Mobile are welcome to attend and any Christian man from Mobile or Baldwin County is welcomed to join our organization. Requirements are 2 direct descendants from Ireland and good moral standing in the community.

National Organization History Bio:
On March 17, 1771, a group of native-born and first generation Irishmen met in Philadelphia to band themselves together for the purpose set forth in the title of the organization, “The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for the relief of immigrants from Ireland”.  There were 24 founders, 21 of them Presbyterians or members of the Church of Ireland, promptly elected one of the three Catholics, General Stephen Moylan, as their first President. Although now predominately Roman Catholic, this truly ecumenical spirit pervades the organization to this day, not by rule or law but by gentleman’s agreement.  Some of the historical members of the organization have been, President George Washington, Commodore Jack Berry, “Mad Anthony” Wayne and President Andrew Jackson. In President Jacksons ancestral home is his 1819 Membership Certificate, a prized possession of the museum.