Public Employee Press

DC 37 celebrates Irish heritage

By MIKE LEE

DC 37 members gathered on March 24 to celebrate the rich culture and history of the Emerald Isle, and to honor Irish Americans for their numerous contributions to the labor movement.

The DC 37 Irish Heritage 24th annual celebration was filled with the music of The Canny Brothers Band, who led off the program with rousing renditions of the U.S. and the Irish national anthems.

The FDNY EMS Pipes and Drums followed, entering the room playing a slow bagpipe march. The group evoked the proud traditions of the Irish people, who included labor legends such as Mother Jones once known as "the most dangerous woman in America" - and labor leader James Connelly, executed by the British government after the Irish Easter Uprising. This year marks the 100th anniversary of that pivotal event, which eventually led to Irish independence.

The audience was wowed by a remarkable traditional Irish dance performance by youngsters from the O'Malley Irish Dance Academy.

A rich history, tradition

John Huber, the Irish Heritage Committee chair and Local 1506 president, and Bernadette O'Leary Enzmann, co-chair, greeted the large crowd attending the event, which was held at union headquarters.

DC 37 Associate Director Oliver Gray, spoke at the event. "We never forget the role Irish Americans have played in building this union," he said. "The union is richer for these contributions."

During the festivities, retired DC 37 Blue Collar Division Director José Sierra was honored for his years of service in battling for the union on behalf of the thousands of DC 37 blue-collar public workers.