BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ- On Saturday, Mayor Carmen Amato and other community members celebrated Irish heritage with the raising of the Bratach na hÉireann Irish tricolour, the Irish flag.
Irish Heritage month is celebrated in March, to coincide with the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint.
Mayor Amato read a proclamation and raised the Irish Flag in honor of St. Patrick and that St. Patrick’s Day is a public holiday that celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish.
“The Proclamation also serves to encourage everyone to participate in events and activities which raise awareness of the cultural differences between individuals and groups which is the bond that holds our society together,” Amato said. “Thank you to the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Rev. William J. Clifford for providing the sermon today.”
AOH President Russell W. Steenweg, Sr. presented Mayor Amato with a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Commitment and Dedication to the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 1 Ocean County, NJ
Michael McAleavey played the bagpipes during the ceremony.