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Breaking: Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Announces Parade Cancellation

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5 years ago

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Breaking News: Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Announces Parade Cancellation

Pearl River, NY— 3/12/20 — It is with profound regret that the Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee announces that we must cancel this year’s Rockland St. Patrick’s Day parade due to concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This has not been an easy decision, but the health and safety of the community must always be the overriding priority. However, the impact of canceling the parade should not be trivialized. Our first thoughts are to our well-deserving honorees who, after years of quiet service were getting the public recognition they so justly deserved. We are concerned about the economic impact on our community; for many small businesses, parade day is analogous to “Black Friday” and sustains them through leaner times throughout the year. These businesses are not just pubs and restaurants, but supermarkets, caterers, party goods stores, etc.. Many non-profit cultural organizations such as traditional musicians, pipe bands, and Irish dance schools rely on funds raised at St. Patrick’s Day performances to help them keep the tradition alive. There are the countless hours that volunteers have spent organizing the parade, which begins the week after the prior year’s parade. Finally, for many families this is a day of gathering, celebrating, and reminiscing on where they came from and the lost opportunity to create those memories cannot be replaced

It has been both distressing and disappointing to see comments on social media advocating for the cancellation of the parade as if it were of no more significance than a child’s play-date. For those who question why it has taken this long to reach a decision to cancel the parade, we are reminded of the famous quote of Louie Armstrong “If you have to ask the question, you’ll never understand the answer.”

One of our greatest sorrows is the lost opportunity to pay just recognition to the accomplishments that Irish American men and women have made to our community, accomplishments that are so often overlooked. This year’s parade was dedicated to Thomas and Danial Foley, brothers who grew up in Rockland and were killed during 9/11; Tommy on the day and Dan only a few weeks ago due to 9/11 related cancer contracted while searching for his brother’s body. In the absence of St. Patrick’s day parade coverage, we would ask for our public leaders and the media to consider publicly reflecting on the contributions of Irish Americans to our nation.

We ask the intercession of St. Patrick to deliver our communities safely from this illness.

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4th Annual Field of Honor Set for Summer 2025 in Tappan, Over 300 Flags to Honor U.S. Heroes

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2 hours ago

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May 18, 2025

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TAPPAN, NY — The beloved Field of Honor® returns to Tappan, New York for its 4th annual celebration of American heroes. From May 17 through July 12, 2025, the Manse Lawn will be transformed into a breathtaking display of over 300 United States flags, each one honoring individuals who have made a difference through service, sacrifice, and strength.

The 2025 Field of Honor® in Tappan is a powerful community event, offering a space of reflection, remembrance, and unity. Each 3’x5’ flag will fly proudly in a solemn formation, representing a story — a tribute to military service members, fallen heroes, first responders, veterans, frontline workers, hometown heroes, and victims of 9/11 and COVID-19.

“Thank you to this entire community, without you, this could have never come together in such great success. I am honored to have an idea originated by Carol Schelin and brought it to fruition in the center of Tappan. Many thanks to the members of the Tappan Fire Department and the Carl A Schelin Post 1271 along with the support and use of the field from the Tappan Reformed Church Manse and our Committee in making this a reality.
Special thank you to Congressman Mike Lawler and Senator Bill Weber for their recognition and words today at our Opening Ceremony.

Next year, is the 250 year anniversary of this great country, we are hoping to expand this to double our capacity and we hope you join us! Reach out to [email protected] as we work with the town to celebrate and recognize in the center of Tappan!” said Mike Holihan, an organizer and member of the Tappan Fire Department.

This moving tribute is more than just a visual display — it’s a collective expression of gratitude made possible by the generosity of sponsors, donors, and the hard work of local volunteers.

Community members and businesses are invited to sponsor a flag, become a corporate sponsor, or make a donation to support this impactful event. Sponsoring a flag allows individuals to pay tribute to someone special — whether they’re currently serving, have served, or have left a legacy through their bravery and service.

Participation is open to everyone, not just Tappan residents. “This event belongs to the entire community and beyond. It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and honor those who have helped shape our nation,” said Holihan.

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Spring Into Health: A Free Community Wellness Event with JAMCCAR May 24th

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10 hours ago

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May 18, 2025

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Spring Into Health

The Jamaican Civic & Cultural Association of Rockland, Inc. (JAMCCAR) is a nonprofit organization established in 1992, dedicated to fostering unity and promoting the cultural, civic, and economic development of the Jamaican-American and broader Caribbean communities in Rockland County, New York. Operating under the motto “Jamaicans And Friends Working Together,” JAMCCAR offers a wide range of educational, cultural, and social programs that benefit residents of Rockland County.

Join us on May 24 on Level 4 – Community Rooms for a day dedicated to your well-being!

✅ Free Health Screenings
💓 Blood Pressure Checks
🫀 CPR Training
💪 Fitness Workshops
…and so much more!

Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your health—absolutely FREE!

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