Is That Snow?

It was a snowy start to this years Belmar Parade Day, definitely a day for thermals. While we gathered in FSOS Hall the temperature continued to drop. Then with families and friends assembled, we celebrated mass, St. Patrick, being Irish and remembered friends who had passed. Sashes were blessed and donned.

Afterwards as we filed from mass with thoughts of coffee. A handful of our older members went outside to the memorial. There they placed the mass flowers and stayed moment. Soon we were all enjoying a breakfast of muffins and coffee. There were of course a hardy few that decided on something a little stronger. Then there was the rest of us.

Meanwhile the Men in Black were polishing shillelaghs and putting on top hats. Alan Purcell, the quiet, shy lad from Dublin and this year's parade adjutant looked especially dapper sporting a top head with a pretty green ribbon. He was a picture! Before long we were all installed on the 5 buses and heading to Belmar. By 1:00pm we were all assembled in Lake Como. Snow lay on the ground and the sound of pipes filled the air.

There were aran sweaters, floats, 6 foot leprechauns, shamrock painted cars and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. In dress blues and razor sharp they paid no attention to the occasional swirls of snow and played flawlessly. Then quielty their conductor turned to the FSOS flag bearers and requested they step forward for the National Anthem. As the flags raised the crowd fell silent, the band played and not a soul moved except to place hands over hearts or raise them in salute.

The crowds on Main Street would not be deterred by the winter blast. As the FSOS Pipes and Drums led the Sea Of Green up Main St. Belmar they were greeted by constant cheers. For the frozen onlookers the Rakes of Mallow, Amazing Grace and the Kelly Set all standards of the band reminded the parade goers of what St. Patrick's Day is all about. That, and the goading by the rather large gentleman with the big hat up front.

Photos From Mass, Breakfast & Parade

Photographs by Mike Callaghan, Alan Purcell, Bob Hobson

A special thanks to all those who worked behind the scenes on this day and the days preceding  to insure that all went off so well.