For Immediate Release:

March 17, 2009

STATEMENT FROM

GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON

ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY

“New York held its first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1762 to honor thememory and the good works of the patron saint of Ireland. Today’scelebration serves a dual purpose: honoring the memory of St. Patrickand celebrating the culture and history of the Irish people. “St. Patrick was wrested from his family at a young age and spent sixyears as a slave in Ireland. While held captive, he developed a steelydetermination and an unshakeable faith that would shield him from thehorrors of captivity and inspire him to one day return to Ireland as amissionary. That Irish fortitude flowed in the blood of the immigrantswho centuries later left their homeland for the New World. Like somany who came to our shores before and after, they saw America as anescape from poverty, disease and oppression. “We are fortunate that so many of those Irish immigrants made theirhomes in our State, with more than 420,000 people of Irish ancestryliving in New York City alone at the start of this decade. Each ofthese Irish-Americans wove themselves into the fabric of New York, andNew York as we know it today would not exist without them. “So while I encourage all New Yorkers to enjoy today’s celebration, Iask you to do so with reverence for Irish history, with respect forthe memory of St. Patrick, and with a plateful of corned beef andcabbage. On behalf of the people of New York, I wish allIrish-Americans, even those who are only ‘Irish for a day,’ a happySt. Patrick’s Day.”