A city with a large Irish population and proud Irish heritage, Springfield, Massachusetts, marked Saint Patrick’s Day Thursday by raising the flag of Ireland over City Hall.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno raised the Irish flag with the assistance of 18 year old Abigail Laughlin, the Springfield Saint Patrick’s Parade colleen.
" It is honestly such and honor to be here representing the city of Springfield and my Irish heritage. It is something I am so proud of," said Laughlin.
Laughlin and members of her court will be in Sunday’s parade in Holyoke on a float commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, an event that led to Irish independence.
The late Marine Corps Gunnary Srgt. Thomas Sullivan was chosen by the Springfield Parade Committee as its posthumous grand marshal. The Springfield native was among five service members killed by a gunman last July in Tennessee.
