Annual grand marshal investiture honors Martin “Marty” Hogan

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Martin “Marty” Hogan marked his first public event of the season Sunday as this year’s grand marshal of the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade during his investiture ceremony.

“I’m still numb, I am so humble and grateful and I just hope I live up to be the Grand Marshal like the men before me did,” Hogan said.

Last year’s grand marshal, Jay Burke, formally sashed Hogan, passing on the honor. Hogan’s wife, Coleen, then presented him with the grand marshal’s medal and ring.

Hogan, the child of Irish immigrants, spoke about what his heritage means to him.

“I am of dispersed people sent in chains to Barbados, bondage to Australia and famine to America,” Hogan said. “Who tore themselves from their father’s trembling arms and kissed their tear stained mothers face goodbye and who crossed oceans so that their loved ones may have a roof over their head and food upon their table.”

Members of Hogan’s team and the leaders of the St. Patrick’s Day Committee were also honored at the event.

Hogan’s son, Colin, has served as his father’s chief advisor throughout the process.

“Seeing everybody, all the lives that he’s touching with the stuff that he is doing is just setting such a good role model for me and a lot of other youth in the community, so it is just such a blessing and honor to get to watch that,” Colin Hogan said.

Colin Hogan said March 17 is a day for everyone and that St. Patrick’s Day is ingrained into the entire community.

“Here it’s really everybody, Irish culture has so much to do with this town and has to do with every race, religion, and everything in Savannah, so it’s a pleasure,” he said.

The next St. Patrick’s Day event is the Greening of the Fountain, which will take place Friday at noon in Forsyth Park.