The highest honor a group can be awarded at the St Patrick’s Day parade is the Honorable James H.J. Tate Award, named after the former Mayor of Philadelphia.  This award is given to the “group that Best Exemplified the Spirit of the Parade.”  The 2009 award went to Division 87 of the AOH/LAOH – Port Richmond.  This marks the 6^th time Division 87 has won this award in our 17 years marching in the parade, more than any other AOH division.  This award has been given since 1980, and Division 87 has now tied for the most wins of any group in the parade (The Timoney Irish Dancers have also won this award 6 times, but their last win was in 1991).

Division 87 of the AOH/LAOH started the morning with a continental breakfast and Mass at the Wissinoming Yacht club, concelebrated by Father Vince Smith OSFS, AOH Div 87 Chaplain and Father Bill McCandless OSFS, LAOH Div 87 Chaplain.  Following Mass was a bus trip to 19^th and JFK Blvd, where we staged for the 2009 St Patrick’s Day parade.  Leading the division was a group of 8 Harley Davidson motorcycles, each displaying the flags of the United States and Ireland.  Riding along on a mega flatbed truck was the Broken Shillelaghs, who played the entire parade route, as well as during our after party back at the Yacht Club.  Falling into place after the band was the AOH, led by first year President Tom Healey, followed by the LAOH President, Maria Gallagher and the members of the LAOH Division 87.  Trailing the AOH/LAOH marchers was our trolley car, which carried some of our members who were physically unable to make the long walk, but are considered marchers nonetheless.

The parade route was lined with thousands of people, Irish and not, who enthusiastically cheered us on throughout the entire parade route.  The men and the ladies of Division 87 showed great Irish pride throughout, waving to the crowd, shaking hands and handing out Irish beads to some of the young spectators.  Handing out some of those beads was 9-year-old Jack Deeney, who is the nephew of Eileen Smith and grandson of Natalie Smith, both members of the LAOH Division 87.  Jack has now marched in 8 parades and wears all of his parade buttons proudly.

Special recognition goes to Division 87 Treasurer, Mike Nolan, who provided outstanding organizational skills throughout the day.  There are many logistical challenges, and Mike came through with flying colors each step of the way.  Also, thanks goes out to Division 87 Marshall, PJ Driscoll, who worked tirelessly in securing our uniforms as well as a location for our after party, which was a great savings for the club.  Thanks goes out to all of those people who made this parade day so outstanding, including Peggy Nicholson and Barb Driscoll, who worked tirelessly in the kitchen preparing all of the food for the party.  Last, but certainly not least, were the members of Division 87 AOH/LAOH, who marched with enthusiasm and Irish pride throughout the parade route.  Congratulations to everyone from Division 87.