2005_Parade

The Bayonne Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee proudly announces its 2005 Grand Marshal, Tom
Walsh. This will be the first time Tom will spend at the front of the parade, because for the last 10
years Tom has been the parade coordinator. His responsibilities included making sure the line of march
is correct and everyone stepped off on time. It is in fact, for this reason, the Bayonne Saint Patrick’s
Parade Committee felt Tom is the person to lead the 24th annual parade on Sunday, March 20th.
Chairperson of the steering committee Leo Hurley said, “Our grand marshal is selected based on the
promotion of Irish culture and involvement in the Bayonne community. Tom is certainly an asset to both
this committee and the City of Bayonne. He truly deserves this honor.”
Tom is a 1973 graduate of Bayonne High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from
Trenton State College in May of 1977, graduating cum laude with a 3.56 grade point average.
In May of 1980 Tom began a career in Public Affairs as the Public Information Officer for the City of
Bayonne, until March of 1985. From 1985 until 1998, Tom’s talents took him to the military serving as
a Public Affairs Specialist for the US Navy at Bayonne’s Military Ocean Terminal and for the US Army
at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn. Since June of 1998 to present Tom is a Teacher and Publicity Coordinator
for the PAL Day Care Center here in Bayonne. Tom works with children ages 6 to 13 in an after-school
program. He assists with homework assignments as well as supervise recreational activities and field
trips. As well Tom spends time writing proposals for grants and press releases about center activities.
Besides Tom’s efforts in coordinating the Saint Patrick’s Parade for the last 10 years, his community
involvements include being a former member of the Bayonne Elks, member of the Bayonne PAL Board
of Directors, National Defense Transportation Assc and current member of the Military Sealift
Command Retirees Assc. As well Tom has used his talents, in public affairs, to assist local groups such
as Bayonne Friends of the Handicapped, Hudson County Association for Retarded Citizens and the
Hudson County Cerebral Palsy.
Tom Walsh will be honored at the parade committee’s annual Grand Marshal Brunch at the Chandelier
Restaurant on Sunday, February 20th at 11 AM. Tickets for the brunch are $25 and can be obtained by
calling (201) 339-1114 or (201) 339-6954. The committee’s major fundraiser, a raffle worth $10,000,
will be drawn at the brunch. There are only 200 tickets sold at $100 each. They can be obtained by
calling (201) 858-1926.
On Saturday, March 12th at 10 AM, the committee will raise the Irish flag in an annual ceremony at the
Bayonne Municipal Building. Immediately following all participants will proceed to 5th Street and
Broadway to rename Broadway Saint Patrick’s Way. An exhibit of Irish heritage and culture will be on
display in the lobby of City Hall from Monday, March 7th thru Monday, March 21st. Applications for
the 24th annual parade must be submitted by Friday, March 4th. For applications or information on
marching call (201) 436-6502.
The parade’s post-parade party will be held once again at Our Lady Star of the Sea School on West
13th Street from 2:30-5:00 PM. Admission is $7 including sandwiches, hot dogs, refreshments &music.