Our Time Has Arrived!

Brother and Sister Emeralds!

March has arrived! While we remember, celebrate and honor our Irish and law enforcement heritage throughout the year, March is OUR Irish heritage month! Throughout this entire month, with the high point being of course, Saint Patrick's Day, we will show the world how proud we are of our Irish heritage and what a contribution we have made to our beloved America!

Here are a few items of information and interest.

1. Our February meeting featuring our very own distinguished Brother and Giant of law enforcement, Chief Jim McDonnell, was one of our best meetings ever! We thank Chief McDonnell for his wonderful presentation and the treasure the time he spent with us all, sharing with us his compelling personal story and vast knowledge of our profession of policing! We congratulate Chief McDonnell as the newly appointed Chief of Police of Long Beach and wish him all the best in his future endeavors! Brother Tom Keleher of Long Beach PD and a director with Long Beach Police Officers Association, and I are already in the early stages of planning a summer Emerald Society meeting in Long Beach...more details will follow..but I can assure you of this...it will be a fantastic event /meeting as I know from past experience that our Brothers in Long Beach know how to throw an event! Nuff said for now!

2. The Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums will be at the Irish Fair at the Pomona Fair Grounds on March 6/7 so come out and share all the Irish atmosphere and excitement!

3. Our Emerald Society general meeting will be on March 10th! The Honorary Consul of Ireland Finbar Hill will be our special guest speaker! If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing Finbar Hill speak on Ireland you dont know what you are missing. His presentations always combine great eloquence and candor as he speaks on the current situation of Ireland in all its aspects! Having Finbar Hill speak at our March meeting has become an Emerald Society tradition and we thank him for continuing to honor us with his presence and presentation!

4. Our Hermosa Beach St Patrick's Day Parade will take place on March 13th to be followed by a St Patrick's Day Block Party at the house and on the block of Brother Bill Hallett. Those of you who have attended this event in the past know how great it is with the wonderful hospitality of the Hallett family, the food, the music and Irish festive atmosphere! Another message will provide the exact details of the day but put that day aside for a Hermosa Beach Irish celebration! Thanks Bill Hallett, family and neighbors!

5. St. Patrick's Day...No Virginia, there is no St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Los Angeles this year. After last minute efforts to resuscitate the victim, Los Angeles City budget cuts and considerations were given for the reason there is no parade this year in Downtown Los Angeles...frown...However, there will be a St Patrick's Day Irish festival at LA Live which is the venue just north of Staples Center and is an entertainment complex. There will be a stage and a concert featuring Ken O'Malley and the Twilight Lords and there will be an actual festival taking place. Our Los Angeles Police Pipe and Drum Band will play at the venue and there is enough room to march around the entertainment complex. All are invited to attend and participate! We will be meeting at the Los Angeles Police Academy and taking a bus to the venue. Time to be announced... but the event goes on from 1100-1400 Hrs. Our group will then be going over to Tam O' Shanters restaurant in Los Feliz to continue the St. Patrick's Day celebration with our Band playing and everyone enjoying the celebration into the night! It's a fantastic time!

6. Our Emerald Society St. Patrick's Day Party at Maggies Restaurant in Santa Fe Springs will be on March 27th! Yes, we are using the whoooole month to celebrate! This is probably the best St. Patrick's Day Party anywhere and last year we had record attendance! With the Pipes and Drums, Irish step dancing, great food, great music, door prizes..where does it end? We do need volunteers to help with the event monitoring the door and other tasks...Please take a big Irish step dance forward and help out...Many of you did last year and we know who you are and are very grateful! Tickets can be purchased at the March meeting! More details to follow!

7. I know this has been a long message and I thank you for taking the time to read it..there will be following messages almost every day this month ...but hey...ITS OUR MONTH!

I may have forgotten something or there may be a question or concern that you need addressed right away...please contact me here or at 213 253-5966...I will do the best I can to get back to you as soon as possible...if the mail box is full call back..it will be cleared..and if that doesnt work for you call or text 213 503-7322.

So, lets have a Great month! It's OUR month! For our ancestors and our heritage Be Irish and Be Proud!

God Bless America and Erin Go Bragh!

GO IRISH!

Steve Saletros
President
Los Angeles Police Emerald Society