Celebrating our Heritage on St. Patrick’s Day

One of the things I love about East Hartford is the great diversity of national backgrounds that our residents bring to this community. Special celebrations provide us with an opportunity to recognize and appreciate our differences, which are some of the things that bind us together.

In that spirit, I would like to wish all of our residents Happy St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland. In America, St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the achievements of Irish Americans in the United States history and in our community, and to celebrate the contributions of Irish immigrants and Irish culture.

Irish Americans have been a key part of East Hartford’s history, moving to our community to work in manufacturing in the 1930s, 40s and 50s, settling here, raising families, and making a lasting imprint on our great Town and our State. I would like to thank and recognize the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee (CCCCC), for organizing the Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade each year. The CCCCC and the participating town parade committees work together to make the parade a reality. I would also like to thank our great East Hartford parade committee that puts a lot of time and effort into fundraising and organizing East Hartford’s entry each year. 

Finally, I want to congratulate this year’s East Hartford parade honorees. This year, Bob Buettner, East Hartford’s businessperson and a dedicated volunteer, was recognized as our Town’s Honoree, and Tim Larson, a lifelong resident, community member, former Mayor, State Legislator and State Senator, will serve as Parade Town Marshal. Additionally, longtime residents and community members Eileen and Myles McGee have been recognized as Parade Grand Marshals and Renee DiNino, a television and radio personality, longtime volunteer and supporter of the Town of East Hartford, as well as a proud East Hartford High School graduate, has been named the Person of the Year by the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee. East Hartford has much to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day. Best wishes to you and your family!