The Oldest Irish Society in the United States: The Society of the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick

🍀The Society of the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick is the oldest chartered Irish Society in the United States, founded in 1771.

🤝The society was originally founded to provide relief and aid to Irish immigrants in the U.S., particularly in Philadelphia.

🏠Over the years, the focus of the society shifted to charitable giving, including support for police and military families and educational scholarships.

🎈For the first time in the society's history, and possibly the parade's history, they will have a massive balloon in the St. Patrick's Day parade.

🎉The society continues to have a significant impact, preserving Irish heritage and supporting various philanthropic endeavors.

What is the history of the Society of the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick?

—The society was founded in 1771 and had many of its founding members as leaders during the American Revolution, including George Washington.

What was the original purpose of the society?

—The society was initially founded to provide relief and aid to Irish immigrants coming to the U.S., specifically in Philadelphia.

What does the society focus on now?

—The society now focuses on charitable giving, including support for police and military families, and providing educational scholarships.

What is significant about this year's St. Patrick's Day parade?

—This year, the society will have a massive balloon in the parade, which is a first in their history and possibly the parade's history.

What impact does the society have?

—The society has a significant impact in preserving Irish heritage and supporting various philanthropic endeavors.

00:14Introduction to the Society of the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick and their involvement in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.

00:26The society is the oldest chartered Irish Society in the United States, founded in 1771, with many of its founding members leaders in the American Revolution.

00:35The original purpose of the society was to provide relief and aid to Irish immigrants coming to the U.S., with a focus on Philadelphia.

01:01Over the years, the society shifted its focus to charitable giving, supporting police and military families, and providing educational scholarships.

01:24For the first time in their history, the society will have a massive balloon in the St. Patrick's Day parade, measuring 40 feet high and 14 feet wide.

01:43Members of the society share their excitement about the balloon and their commitment to making the parade a success.