Resolution 260181

..Title Proclaiming the Month of March 2026 as Irish Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring Daniel J. Hilferty for his commitment to advancing the Irish American community and service as the Grand Marshal leading the 254th Saint Patrick's Day Parade on March 15, 2026. ..Body WHEREAS, The 254th Philadelphia Saint Patrick's Day Parade will take place on March 15, 2026, celebrating the theme of "250 Years of Irish Contributions to America," and will be led by Grand Marshal Daniel J. Hilferty; and WHEREAS, Philadelphia has celebrated Saint Patrick's Day with a parade since 1771, making it one of the nation's oldest and largest continuously held parades in the spirit of Irish heritage; and WHEREAS, The Saint Patrick's Day parade originated as a celebration of Irish freedom, recognizing their history filled with tyranny and oppression; and WHEREAS, The Irish community in Philadelphia has contributed to the City's growth for over 250 years, playing a critical role in culture, business, religion, sports, labor, and cuisine; and WHEREAS, Grand Marshal Daniel J. Hilferty's great-grandfather emigrated to the United States in 1864, spurring a generational commitment to his Irish roots and active participation in cultural and educational Irish practices; and WHEREAS, His dedication to fostering connections between Ireland and the Irish American community in Philadelphia has been internationally recognized he was the recipient of the 2019 Tip O'Neill Irish Diaspora Award and the 2012 Taoiseach Award from the Irish American Business Chamber & Network; and WHEREAS, Daniel and his wife Joan have supported Irish athletic, cultural, and educational organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond, including the Philadelphia Gaelic Athletic Association, the United States Gaelic Athletic Association, the Irish Society of Philadelphia, the Irish American Business Chamber & Network, and other institutions dedicated to preserving and advancing Irish heritage; and WHEREAS, Daniel J. Hilferty's life exemplifies the spirit of the Irish diaspora rooted in family, strengthened by faith, guided by service, and dedicated to community on both sides of the Atlantic; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby proclaims the Month of March 2026 as Irish Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia and honors Daniel J. Hilferty for his commitment to advancing the Irish American community and service as the Grand Marshal leading the 254th Saint Patrick's Day Parade on March 15, 2026. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Daniel J. Hilferty as an expression of gratitude from the Council of the City of Philadelphia. ..End