A Thank You to the Town of Pearl River

On behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, I would like to extend a warm and sincere thank you to the people of Pearl River. When we presented this convention to the men of the AOH and the ladies of the LAOH two years in Albany we knew we were facing strong competition from other venues. However, we also knew we had a secret weapon in “The Town of Friendly People.” Rather than historic buildings, large convention centers or casinos, our presentation focused on the special community and people of Pearl River. It was on this that we were awarded the convention, and on the day the graciousness and vitality of Pearl River exceeded our poor attempts to describe it. To a person, the people who came from across the state, the nation and even internationally to attended the largest and most successful AOH/LAOH convention that New York State has ever held praised the welcome they received and the hospitality of the community throughout the convention.

To try and thank here everyone who should be thanked would run on for pages and run the risk of doing the injustice of inadvertently missing someone. However, our countless hard working volunteers, our local government leaders, our talented musicians and dancers, local business owners and countless others all out did themselves. I look forward to reaching out to you all in the coming days to thank you personally. We do indeed live in a special and unique community, and while we may notice it more during events such as this convention, it is there quietly every day. We should never take it for granted how blessed we are to live in this special community. I know I never shall.