St. Patrick's Day Parade heads down 5th Avenue in New York City

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Friday, March 17, 2017
Thousands gather for the 255th Saint Paddy's Day parade
Amy Freeze has the latest

NEW YORK -- With two-million watching and 150-thousand marching, New York City was awash in green and Irish pride as throngs celebrate at the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

Hundreds of bagpipers, dignitaries, and politicians including Governor Cuomo.

The marchers Friday came from all walks of life - military members, teachers and students, police and firefighters, politicians, plumbers and steamfitters.

Heavily armed officers kept a no-nonsense eye on security around the parade route as a pipe band played "God Bless America."

CHECK OUT STREET CLOSURES DURING THE PARADE

The New York National Guard's "Fighting 69th" brought its mascots - Irish wolfhounds.

St. Patrick's Cathedral displayed both the American and Irish flags. A special Mass was held there before the parade stepped off.

Mayor De Blasio even stopped to greet Cardinal Dolan at the cathedral.

The route also passed Trump Tower, the home of President Donald Trump and his family.

There was barely a trace of the city's Tuesday snowstorm.

Among such a festive time, The Braves honored EMT Yadira Arroyo who was killed less than 24 hours before.