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ROBBINSVILLE: Community celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

Township roads were filled with a sea of green March 15 for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

by Amy Batista, Special Writer
ROBBINSVILLE — Township roads were filled with a sea of green March 15 for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
   The Robbinsville Irish Heritage Association (RIHA) hosted the fifth annual parade, which is typically held the third Saturday of March.
   The RIHA is a volunteer, nonprofit organization chartered to foster an understanding and appreciation of Irish cultural values based in Robbinsville, according to its website.
   For the first time, the parade featured a theme, one that highlighted the sacrifices of the men and women of the U.S. armed forces.
   To that end, Sgt. Thomas Lee, an Army and Navy veteran, was selected as the grand marshal for the parade.
   While serving in Iraq on May 22, 2007, Sgt. Lee’s vehicle was struck by an IED that ultimately killed two soldiers and injured three others. Sgt. Lee sustained injuries that would lead to the amputation of his right leg. His right arm was also injured in the blast, according to the RIHA website. Sgt. Lee ultimately retired in 2008.
   Sgt. Lee thanked Robbinsville Township and the RIHA for welcoming him with “such open arms.”
   ”I’ve never been part of a community quite like this,” he said. “The leadership with the Robbinsville Irish Heritage Association welcomes you with open arms and really made me feel a part of it.
   ”It was a huge surprise. I’m completely honored to be asked to fill such a role,” he added. “I’m not an in the front type of person. I’m the behind the scenes worker.”
   Dave Doran, parade chairman, said he was reading an article about Sgt. Lee and was inspired.
   ”We decided to reach out to the service community and the vets and we decided to create a theme around that for Tom,” Mr. Doran said.
   Mr. Doran noted that Sgt. Lee is a “para tri athlete” and that they are “going to do what we can to support his efforts” to try to get to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.
   Mr. Doran said the parade is becoming more of a “community event” with more local groups joining each year.
   Participants and officials alike praised the festive showing by the Robbinsville community.
   ”What a beautiful day,” said Jim O’Donnell, president of the RIHA. “It never rains on Robbinsville.”
   For Mr. O’Donnell, the highlight of the parade is marching by Rose Hill and seeing the senior citizens outside watching and giving candy to them.
   ”The children sitting on the curb and the look on their faces when they see the bands coming through,” said Mr. O’Donnell, adding also handing out candy to the children is also a highlight.
   ”It was wonderful to see so many families out for the best attended Robbinsville parade yet,” said Assemblyman Dan Benson. “What a day to celebrate a hero like Sgt. Tom Lee and to appreciate all the contributions of the Irish to America.”
   Paul Keris, co-owner of Windsor Farm, was selected as the Irish person of the year.
   ”It’s an honor and a privilege,” said Mr. Keris.
   For Mr. Keris, the highlight of the parade is seeing all the kids enjoying themselves.
   In addition to the theme, also new to the parade this year was an Irish mass held at St. Gregory the Great. The mass was held prior to the parade and featured Limerick-descended Rev. Brian Woodrow.
   Opening ceremonies were held in front of the township office building on Washington Boulevard by the flagpole at 12:15 p.m. and started with Mr. O’Donnell welcoming everyone and recognizing the local and state dignitaries in attendance.
   The Irish national anthem was performed followed by the national anthem.
   Approximately 90 organizations participated in the parade, which was led by Robbinsville Police Department, according to organizers.
   The parade route was approximately one and one-quarter miles in length. It departed from the parking lot of the Foxmoor Shopping Center on Washington Boulevard and proceeded north on Washington Boulevard making its way through the homes in Town Center and behind the businesses on Route 33 in Town Center.
   Marchers included several local and state dignitaries, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local sport organizations, local businesses and organizations, Irish dancing schools, bands — high school marching, pipe and drum, floats, local fire company, antique cars, and much more.
   After the parade, the annual after parade party was held at Centro Grille, which was located at the end of the parade route. Groups and parade participants were recognized through awards for a variety of categories.