By Robyn Quinn
Why are all those men walking around in kilts? That is what many of the Morristown residents were left wondering this weekend.
We are happy to report that we have the answer to that burning question. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick celebrate “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” with a national summit in Morristown and the surrounding areas.
This is the third national summit of the FSSP (Friendly Sons of St. Patrick) and it began on Thursday, Sept. 15and ran through Sunday, Sept. 18. The summit was attended by members from as far away as Hawaii (Maui Celtic). The goal of the summit is to allow the FSSP clubs to share ideas and set up a national connection among the Friendly Sons clubs.
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The FSSP was established in 1771 in Philadelphia and over the years has had many distinguished members, even George Washington himself! The purpose of the FSSP organization is to provide assistance to deserving causes and promote Irish Culture. The Morris County club is one of the two organizations that sponsor the Morris County St. Patrick’s Parade in Morristown. This year the FSSP donated $10,000 to local charities.
Among the events of the summit was Irish Heritage Day, on Saturday, Sept. 17. (Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day.) The day began at Jockey Hollow, in the Morristown National Historical Park.
Jockey Hollow is part of the first National Historical Park, established in 1933. The event began with two local bagpipe bands, Rory O’Moore and The Guard marching down to the solider hut field.
This was followed by a re-enactment of General Washington’s orders of the day from March 17, 1780. On that day General Washington gave his troops, a majority of them Irish, the day off. This was their first day off in over a year, and it was celebrated with a “drink of rum” and the first St. Patrick’s parade after we became a nation.
Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen and Dr. William Rogers of Drew University presented the audience with stories and history of General Washington and his troops. The order of the day was then read by Tom Winslow, one of the Rangers at the park. The re-enactment was coordinated by Jill Hawk, Superintendent of Morristown National Historical Park.
The FSSP wrapped up Irish Heritage Day with a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This was the site where many Irish emigrants first set foot on American soil.
The next FSSP National Summit will be held in Baltimore, Md., at Fort McHenry to honor the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.
At that time many of our own Morris County Friendly Sons will be wandering the streets of Baltimore wearing their kilts.
However, this reporter is holding out for the Summit in Hawaii!
MORE ST. PATRICK’S DAY COVERAGE
