Press Release
☷New York s Fighting 69th Leads Saint Patrick s Day Parade
U.S. Army ( By Press Release office)
Mar 19,2024
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Soldiers from the New York National Guard’s 1st Battalion , 69th Infantry Regiment , led the annual New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16 , 2024 . The “Fighting 69th” Infantry has been leading the parade since 1851 . This year marked the return of the battalion after their deployment to the Horn of Africa . For some Soldiers , this parade was their first and last due to retirement or other circumstances . The day starts early with a toast and traditional rituals before marching to the cathedral and then the parade route . Soldiers like Pfc . Danyel Rodriguez , a new recruit , found the experience enjoyable despite the long day . This year also saw Lt . Col . Adam Bojarski taking command of the battalion . This year was his first time leading the parade and marching with the unit . "It ' s a really cool opportunity that no one else in the Army gets to do , " Bojarski said . The opportunity comes from a tradition that has been around for a long time . The regiment was formed in 1849 as a New York State militia made up of Irish immigrants . Two years later , when people were against Irish Catholics , they were asked to lead the parade and protect it from any attackers . Today , the New York Police Department and other important partners make sure the parade is safe for everyone . A group of 69th Soldiers still marches in their combat uniforms , body armor , and helmets , carrying rifles and machine guns . "Traditions like this are disappearing from our society , " Bojarski said . "It ' s really important that units like the 69th continue to represent the Army National Guard and the National Guard as a whole . " Bojarski said the battalion will keep leading the parade for many more years . And even though Walsh won ' t be there , he hopes that those who march in his place will gain something from the experience . "I hope they feel proud and experience the amazing feeling of marching in the parade and hearing thousands of people cheer for them , " he said . "We all joined the military for a reason . A lot of times , when you ' re marching in the parade , that reason - whatever it may be - comes to your heart and mind . " For more National Guard news , visit the National Guard Facebook page or National Guard X .
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