Today is: St. Patrick’s Day

A member of the Police Pipes & Drums of Bergen County is shown during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in Bergenfield. Sunday, March 12, 2023.

St. Patrick’s Day takes place on the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is thought to have died in 461. Contrary to what many may think, St. Patrick was not Irish − he was born in Roman Britain, in what is now England, Scotland or Wales. At the age of 16 he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland to be a slave. During his time in captivity, he turned to his Christian faith. He escaped six years later, began religious training and later returned to Ireland as a missionary.

The first parade for St. Patrick’s Day was held in New York City, on March 17, 1762, and was put on by Irish soldiers serving in the English military. Corned beef and cabbage is the standard St. Patrick’s Day dish in the United States, while bacon is used instead of corned beef in Ireland.

Source: Checkiday.com

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Today is: St. Patrick’s Day