FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 19, 2025
CONTACT:
Derek Sands
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BERGEN COUNTY COMMEMORATES THE GREAT HUNGER WITH ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
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ABOVE: Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and Commissioner Chairwoman Mary Amoroso offering remarks
HACKENSACK, NJ — On Saturday, May 17, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, and the Council of Irish Associations of Greater Bergen County hosted the County’s annual Great Hunger Remembrance Ceremony at the Piazza of One Bergen County Plaza.
The solemn event paid tribute to the more than one million lives lost during the Irish Potato Famine (An Gorta Mór), while also honoring the resilience of Irish immigrants and their lasting contributions to Bergen County and the United States.
The program included a bagpipe processional by Robert Olive, retired Detective Lieutenant of the Paramus Police Department; the presentation of colors by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard; and the national anthems of the United States and Ireland performed by Mairead Early of Bergenfield.
The ceremony featured County Executive Jim Tedesco, who delivered welcome remarks and presented a formal proclamation in recognition of the Great Hunger, followed by remarks from Dr. Deirdre Spollen-LaRaia, President of the Council of Irish Associations of Greater Bergen County.
Additional program participants included Debbie Daly of the Council, who led the Pledge of Allegiance; Sean Hickey, Scholarship Chair, and Melissa Collins, a scholarship recipient, who presented a literary selection; and a cultural performance by the Bergenfield School of Irish Dance. Chairwoman Mary J. Amoroso of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners delivered closing remarks.
Dignitaries in attendance included Surrogate Michael Dressler, Commissioners Dr. Joan M. Voss, Chair Pro Tempore, and Rafael Marte, along with Chairwoman Amoroso.
The event concluded with laying of flowers by invited guests and members of the community in remembrance of the victims of the Great Hunger.
Photos
ABOVE: Commissioners Rafael Marte, Commissioner Dr. Joan Voss, Chairwoman Mary Amoroso, Surrogate Judge Michael Dressler, and County Executive Tedesco
ABOVE: Council of Irish Associations of Greater Bergen County Essay Scholarship Winner Melissa Collins
ABOVE: Bergenfield School of Irish Dance
ABOVE: Bergenfield School of Irish Dance
ABOVE: Laying of the flowers