Brennan Is Grand Marshal Of St. Patrick's Parade in Bay Ridge

A son of Ireland and Bay Ridge, Martin Brennan is the State Director for U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer.

Schumer's lengthy appearance at the event and laudatory remarks about Brennan showed a love and reverence that set the stage for Brennan's remarks.

Said Schumer, "We're brothers with a lot in common, products of Harvard and, before that, high schools in Brooklyn. He went to Bishop Ford, I went to Madison."

Remarks from an array of elected political leaders backed up Schumer's contention that Martin Brennan understands better than anyone how politics should work in a democracy.

Brennan introduced his mother, Monica Brennan, who had immigrated to the U.S. from County Leitrim Ireland with her husband, Patrick Dermot Brennan(county Mayo) who passed away in 1999, and few worldly possessions.

"This country allowed them to work for and achieve a dream," said Brennan, "and somehow, even in the face of the security problems in a new world of terrorism, we must find a way to keep alive America's greatness as a place that welcomes immigrants from all countries to find a new life that's the legacy of freedom that this country must never lose."

The deputy marshals announced were Tom Kane, Community Editor of the Bay Ridge Eagle, Arlene Keating, President of the Bay Ridge Community Council; Bill Boshell, from Super-Roofers; Frank Lawler of the Irish Haven; Kevin Mahoney of the Brooklyn Cyclones and Division 12; Marguerite Nason of Ladies Division 22 and Randy Litz, Division 22.