Grand Marshal’s Brunch & Award Presentation

The Parade Committee  & guests gathered at the Optimist Cafe in Yarmouthport to honor the Grand Marshal USS Constitution Commander Billie J Farrell and the award winners at a brunch where the following were presented:

Kenny McGilvray Solid Man Award–  This award is given for untiring community support and enhancement of people’s lives on Cape Cod-the St Patrick’s Parade Committee proudly presented this award to  Yarmouth Police Chief Frank Frederickson

Parade Mayor-this award is  given to an individual who has made an amazing impact on our Cape Cod community. The  Parade Committee proudly presented this award to Dawn Roche

General Thomas Francis Meagher Award-  This Award is presented to the individual who has distinguished him or herself in a manner that sets them apart from others. The award is named after Irish Born Thomas Francis Meagher. who joined the US Army and rose to the rank of Brigadier General. The Committee proudly presents this award to  Freeman Johnson- a Navy Veteran stationed on the USS St Louis during the attack on Pearl Harbor. In September 1945, he witnessed the Japanese in Tokyo Bay.  He was 1/2 up the lookout mast of the USS Iowa and he could see the treat being signed on the USS Missouri about a half mile away. 

In addition to his award- and a nice surprise- Commander Farrell presented Freeman with her USS Constitution challenge coin in recognition of service to his country.

The Committee also recognized the “Irish Man & Woman of the Year” – Paul Silman and Melissa Bateman. 

Heartfelt thanks to all our dedicated  volunteers, who keep the Cape Cod St Patrick’s Parade alive and in our hearts, their contribution to the Parade is unmeasured. 

2022 Grand Marshal

The 17th Annual Cape Cod St Patrick’s Parade will take place on March 5, 2022 at 11:00am

Talk about LUCK of the IRISH !!

We Have VERY Exciting News!! You do NOT want to miss this Parade!
The 2022 Cape Cod St Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshall will be …

Commander Billie J. Farrell, of the USS Constitution


On January 21, 2022, Commander Billie J Farrell became The USS Constitution’s 77th commanding officer, and first woman to serve as commanding officer in the ships 224 year history. Commander Farrell is a native of Paducah, Kentucky and is a 2004 graduate of the US Naval Academy. Over the years, Commander Farrell has had many Naval assignments including, USS Vella Gulf and USS San Jacinto. She then returned to the US Naval Academy as deputy director for professional development. From here, Commander Farrell was assigned to the Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, as the deputy. Most recently, she was executive officer aboard USS Vicksburg.

As of February 2021, Commander Farrell had received 2 Meritoriuos Service Medals, 4 Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medals, and 3 Meritorious Unit Commendations!

The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship still afloat. This ship was built in Boston’s North End. It played a crucial role in the war of 1812, and defended sea lanes from 1797 until 1855. It was undefeated in battle!

Here’s a little known fact! This historic ship has ties to Cape Cod. Captain John
Percival of West Barnstable MA, was the only captain of the USS Constitution to circumnavigate the globe. The USS Constitution is now docked in Charlestown, MA.
We are so honored to have Commander Farrell leading our 2022 parade!

So Lets give Commander Billie J Farrell , her family and the ships crew, a GREAT BIG CAPE COD IRISH WELCOME on parade day, and congratulate her on this wonderful accomplishment as the first Woman Commander of the USS Constitution.

Sincerely,
Desmond J. Keogh
Chairman
Cape Cod St Patrick’s Parade Committee