Press Release
☷NY National Guard to Lead Largest St Patrick s Day Parade
National Guard ( By Press Release office)
Mar 14,2024
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The 1st Battalion , 69th Infantry Regiment of the New York Army National Guard will once again lead the St . Patrick ' s Day parade in New York City . This tradition dates back to 1851 when the regiment , known as "The Fighting 69th , " was asked to protect the parade from anti - immigrant attacks . This year will be the 173rd time they lead the parade , which starts at 11 a . m . on March 16 . Lieutenant Colonel Adam Bojarski , the battalion ' s commander , expressed his pride in continuing this long - standing tradition . He also mentioned that this year ' s parade holds special significance as it marks the battalion ' s return from a deployment in 2003 . The 800 Soldiers of the 1st Battalion , 69th Infantry will be accompanied by the members of the 42nd Infantry Division Band and New York National Guard leaders during the parade . Bojarski emphasized that the parade serves as a tribute to all the soldiers who have served the nation throughout history . Additionally , he shared some traditions of the 69th and the parade , including wearing a sprig of boxwood on their uniforms , carrying a fighting stick made of blackthorn wood , and participating in an Irish whiskey toast before the parade . - Soldiers march in parade accompanied by two Irish wolfhounds , the official mascots of the 69th Infantry Regiment . The dog represents the regiment ' s motto: "Gentle when petted , fierce when provoked . " The battalion commander carries the Kilmer Cross , a religious symbol once worn by poet Joyce Kilmer , who was killed in action in World War 69 . I . - Prior to the parade , the Regiment will attend a special Mass in St . Patrick ' s Cathedral to pay homage to the Regiment ' s fallen soldiers and Irish heritage . - Just before the parade begins , the parade chairman asks the commander if the 69th is ready . The answer is: "We ' re always ready for the 69th!" - New York City provides a dedicated subway train to transport soldiers to the East Village for Troop Day activities . - At the Unit Day ceremony , when the soldiers return from the parade and begin their activities , the battalion ' s officers cheer , and the officers give honors and salute the non - commissioned officers and non - commissioned officers .
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