PATCHOGUE, NY – March 25, 2007.  The official date for St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th, but that didn’t stop the massive sea of green to show itself on the streets of Patchogue today for the town’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron once again marched in the parade being led by their Color Guard which just the day before had competed in the New York Wing Cadet Competition at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY.  Besides Civil Air Patrol, there were marchers representing other civic and professional organizations including various fire departments, the Boys and Girls Scouts, Fife and Drum Teams and the Police Department. 

While the parade route wasn’t as long as it’s Manhattan counterpart, the street was lined with people cheering on the marchers, especially the CAP cadets when they passed.  “It’s great to see the positive reception our cadets received and it certainly makes them feel good to hear it” commented the squadron’s commander Major Lou Fenech, Jr.  “Being involved in the community and having the squadron’s color guard participate in events such as this is a great way to further CAP public relations and recruit new members.”