The City of Federal Way raised the Irish flag on March 17 in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
Mayor Jim Ferrell read a proclamation outside Federal Way City Hall declaring March 13-21 as Irish American Heritage Week, asking all residents to observe the week by celebrating the contributions of Irish Americans to the local community.
Event organizer Craig Patrick honored Azteca Manager Jaime Monje and Councilmember Erica Norton who both “embody the spirit of the Irish, who are determined, who are stewards of the environment. [They are] just generally decent human beings,” he said.
Patrick also provided the history of the holiday and spoke about creating union between different cultures.
“We Irish Americans who can comprehend the struggles of our fellow men and women have empathy and support for their journey, the same type of journey St. Patrick endured,” Patrick said. “This year, we are practicing unity.”
About 60 people gathered on March 17, wearing various shades of green, for the celebrations.
Susan Walker, owner of Fire & Ice Irish Dance Company in Federal Way, performed at the Thursday morning event. Seattle’s Bagpiper Neil Hubbard also performed several songs for the crowd.
Photos by Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror Seattle’s Bagpiper Neil Hubbard performs outside Federal Way City Hall on March 17.
Elected officials and proud community members with Irish heritage assist in raising the Irish flag on March 17.
Community member Craig Patrick speaks.
Event participants gather on March 17. Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror
