Changing of the Guard at the Friendly Sons

Look for an older Irish-American fraternal organization. You won’t find it. The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick has been around since St. Patrick’s Day in 1771. George Washington was an honorary member.

And here we are, years later, and the Friendly Sons are still alive, quite well, and maintaining their very long traditions of fellowship and civic involvement.

Last week, the Friendly Sons met for their annual dinner (this one at the Union League) to effect a transition: Ed Last turned over the presidency to Todd R. Peterman.

View the videos:

• The Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band performs.
• The band playing before the dinner.
• Rince Ri dancers