HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Sunday marked the annual raising of the Irish flag at the JFK monument in Holyoke.

According to a news release sent to 22News from the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke, the American Legion Post 325 with the assistance of the Grand Marshal, Colleens, and other award winners attended and performed at the annual raising of the Irish Flag on Sunday.

DJ O’Connor was the master of the ceremonies, and then Reverend Michael Twohig will perform opening prayers. Mayor Joshua Garcia of Holyoke and the President of the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke, Karen Casey, will both speak during the ceremony. The gathering at the JFK Monument is an event with deep significance for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and Irish Community.

“It is just very special to raise the flags. It just brings everyone together at the start of our couple weeks until the parade. It’s so exciting, I feel like I say that over and over again, but you know I’ve come and seen it been done a few times now, and today it just makes it more special. It’s an exciting time, I’m sure the girls enjoyed it too,” expressed President of the Committee, Karen Casey.

There will be a reception to follow at Post 351, St. Colby Drive in Holyoke, and everyone is welcome to attend. The flag-raising ceremony was held at the JFK Monument at the intersection of Appleton and Sycamore Streets in Holyoke at 2:00 p.m.

The 70th St. Patrick’s Parade is on Sunday, March 19, and the 46th St. Patrick’s Road Race will be held on Saturday, March 18th. And of course, if you can’t make it in person you can catch it right here on 22News.