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St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2008 Grand Marshal
 The
25th Annual Colorado Springs St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee is pleased to
announce the 2008 Grand Marshal – Mr. James M. Lyons, a senior partner in the
law firm of Rothgerber, Johnson & Lyons LLP located in Denver, Colorado Springs,
and Casper, Wyoming. Mr. Lyons is well known for his vigorous efforts promoting
peace in Northern Ireland through economic development. He also has extensive
government relations and international trade and diplomatic experience from his
work in Ireland and the United Kingdom for economic initiatives in Northern
Ireland and the Border Counties of the Republic of Ireland.
Mr. Lyons served as the US Observer to the International Fund for Ireland (IFI)
from 1993-2001 and, in 1997, he succeeded former Senator George Mitchell as
Special Advisor for the President and Secretary of State for Economic
Initiatives in Ireland. In this capacity, he served from 1997 to 2001. In these
roles, Mr. Lyons worked to promote cross-community cooperation between the
religious traditions and communities in the north of Ireland and was responsible
for numerous economic initiatives in support of the peace process, including
Aspire Micro Loans for Business, the first micro-enterprise loan fund in Western
Europe. Mr. Lyons' work for economic development supported the Belfast Agreement
signed by the Irish and British Governments in April 1998.
Commonly known as the “Good Friday Agreement,” this document was a major
political development in the Northern Ireland peace process. The Agreement
reaffirmed the Governments’ total and absolute commitment to exclusively
democratic and peaceful means of resolving political differences and has led to
a restoration of shared government between the two communities. As a private
citizen, Mr. Lyons continues to be active in promoting business partnerships and
strategic alliances between Colorado and Northern Ireland communities and
universities.
Mr. Lyons received an honorary doctorate of laws (LL.D.) from the University
of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland in recognition of his service "to the
people of Northern Ireland in furtherance of peace and prosperity.” As Grand
Marshal, Mr. Lyons will oversee the community’s largest single day event. His
family will join him as he is honored as this year’s Grand Marshal. Last year
over 25,000 people lined downtown Colorado Springs to cheer on over 100
community groups and 2,500 participants!
The schedule for the 25th Annual Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade
is:
1. 5K for St. Patrick’s Day Run – 10:00 AM – Acacia Park
2. Leprechaun Fun Run for the “Wee Ones” – 11:00 AM – Acacia Park
3. 25th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Noon – Starts at Tejon & St. Vrain;
south on Tejon Street to Vermijo.
Additional information on the Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade is
available at www.csstpats.com
or by calling 719.635.8803.
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