John Gallagher Is Proud Grand Marshal of 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade

The celebrated Irish Americans Tuesday with two proclamations, one to announce John Gallagher as Grand Marshal of this Saturday's and another marking March as Irish-American Heritage Month.

Sixth Ward Commissioner Robert Layden presented a proclamation March 13 to life-long resident John Gallagher, Grand Marshal of this year's celebration.

Gallagher, of Irish descent, is a retired lieutenant of the and a life member of the , where he served as both president and chief.

"It's my pleasure and privilege to serve as Grand Marshal," Gallagher said. "I'm proud to be a part of the Springfield community and the Irish community."

He's served the community for the past 52 years, since he was 16 years old. 

Layden read from the proclamation:

Gallagher is a dynamic leader in the Irish-American community, not only in Springfield, but throughout the entire Greater Philadelphia region, providing a distinguished example of leadership and exemplary citizenship, as a Degreed Member and Division Officer in the Joseph E. Montgomery Division 65 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America.

Wearing a green-striped necktie, Fourth Ward Commissioner Paul Wechsler introduced a proclamation marking March as Irish-American Heritage Month.

Steve Burns, chairman of the Springfield Township St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, accepted the proclamation.

Wechsler said he's glad the holiday is on Saturday this year so the parade will actually be on St. Patrick's Day.