"cherishing all the children of the nation equally"

international | miscellaneous | news report Sunday March 07, 2004 03:37 by Mutter - St Pats For All

NYC: The "Other" Parade

Greetings and Blessings from across the ocean! To let you all know how the Irish spirit continues and is honored in all inclusive ways...

From Sunnyside and Woodside Queens, NY USA:
This years theme:

The Proclamation of the Irish Republic Easter 1916:

"The Irish Republic is entitled to, and hereby claims,the allegiance of every Irishman and Irishwoman. The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and all of its parts, cherishing all the children of the nation equally, and oblivious of all the differences carefully fostered by an alien government, which have divided a minority from the majority in the past."

Sunnyside/Woodside Queens, (Flushing Subway stops: 43rd & Skillman Ave; 60th & Woodside)

http://www.stpatsforall.com/proclamation.html

http://www.stpatsforall.com/

"The St. Patrick's Parade & Irish Fair Committee is commited to celebrating the diversity of the Irish and Irish American communities of New York. First held in 2000, the Parade & Fair has become an annual community endeavor that cherishes and celebrates an inclusive St. Patrick's holiday season. Our celebration is the first in the 240 years + of Irish parades in New York City to be open and welcoming to all who share the spirit of the day. Our theme "cherishing all the children of the nation equally" is taken from the 1916 Easter Proclamation of the Irish Republic. It is a vision drawn from our past and a guide for our future."

Parade Policy:
In accordance with our theme of "cherishing all the children of the nation equally" as stated in the Irish Republic Proclamation of 1916 this parade : is open to all.

Therefore, we ask each participating group to respect all contingents that take part in this event. This celebration is an opportunity to come together in our diversity and honor our common humanity and heritage.

On behalf of the organizing committee of the Queens St. Patrick’s Parade & Irish Fair we invite you to join us for our celebration on Sunday, March 7th 2004, at 12:30pm.

Once again, hospitality and inclusivity will be the hallmarks of our celebration as we continue to build on the spirit of the historical breakthrough of former years. Unique among Irish gatherings in the nation, ours is open and welcoming to all who wish to share in the spirit of the day. Our St. Patrick’s celebration remains the only NY parade to welcome and celebrate the gifts and unique contribution of Irish LGBT community groups. More than a parade, we have become a unique expression & exploration of what it means to be Irish in New York City at the beginning of the 21st century.

We are happy, as in previous years, to have many in the community join us. Your presence and support means a lot to the people of Queens, the city’s Irish community and the Irish visitors joining us.

The 2004 theme "Cherishing All the Children of the Nation Equally" is taken from the Proclamation of the Irish Republic of 1916. An ideal from our past which continues to inspire and challenge us. We welcome participation by other communities that call New York home, particularly those from Queens. It is to the borough of Queens that immigrants arrive daily with their hopes & dreams as have the Irish since pre-famine times.

We are delighted to have so many diverse contingents, including caribbean, Latino, and Native American. The participation of the Mexican community highlights the historic al and contemporary links between our countries from the historic "San Patricios" to President Fox's Irish grandmother!

The enthusiasm of community groups and public officials is heartening. Pipers, unions, religious communities, youth groups, seniors, dancers and puppeteers, will return to Sunnyside in celebration of diversity.

Parade banners will honor leaders from our past and present such as Mike Quill,
Paul O'Dwyer, Fr. Mychal Judge, Mother Jone, Dorothy Day and Philip Berrigan.

Inquiries from Methodist, Anglican, & Jewish communities reflect the ecumenical face of contemporary Ireland.

Choctaw and Shinnecock nations will participate for the 5th year -- a reminder of the generosity of the Native Americans during the years of "An Gorta Mor", The Great Famine.

And of special musical interest:

About De Jimbe
De jimbe are a 7 piece group basing their music around traditional Irish
music and the traditional drumming cultures of other countries around the
Atlantic. They play traditional rhythms from the Caribbean and West Africa
using djembes, congas, djoun djouns, talking drum, drum set etc. and mix
these rhythms with original and traditional Irish melodies and traditional
Irish instruments. The fusion and tension between the pulsating, hypnotic
rhythms and the intricate airs is what gives De jimbe their original,
immediate and exciting sound.

Member Biographies

Brian Fleming - Drums
Padraic Lavin - Uilleann Pipes & Low Whistles
Olabisi Adigun - Drums & Assorted Humour
Hugh O'Byrne - Drums
Brian O'Toole - Bass
Gwenn Frin - Flute
Joe Brennan - Guitar & Vocals


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