Stratford Celebrates St. Patrick's Day With Irish Mayor For A Day

STRATFORD, Conn. — The reedy strains of a bagpipe tune hung over Stratford Town Hall on Thursday, as the town celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with music, a history lesson and the naming of the Irish Mayor for a Day, Stratford native James Connor.

A lone bagpiper plays during Stratford's annual St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Photo Credit: Meredith Guinness

The Stratford High School Band plays the National Anthem at the town's annual St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Photo Credit: Meredith Guinness

Stratford Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour, Irish Mayor for a Day James Connor and Fire Chief Robert McGrath raised the Irish flag at the town's annual St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Photo Credit: *Meredith Guinness*

State Sen. Kevin Kelly addressed the crowd at Stratford's annual St. Patrick's Day flag raising.
Photo Credit: *Meredith Guinness*

Meredith Guinness

03/17/2016 12:48 p.m.

“It’s an honor. I was pleasantly surprised,” said Connor, a 20-year Air Force veteran and former member of several town committees. “I love being Irish.”

Connor helped Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour and Fire Chief Robert McGrath raise the Irish flag on the Town Hall lawn, while the Stratford High School band played the National Anthems of both Ireland and the United States.

The town also commemorated the 100th anniversary of Ireland’s Easter Uprising, which took place in April 1916.

State Sen. Kevin Kelly called upon those gathered to remember the country’s immigrant heritage as they celebrated Irish history.

“It’s also a day that celebrates what America really is,” he said.

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