It rained on their parade. Yes, RFH Drill Team and Marching Band members took a traditional trek to the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade to march back in 1977 and it rained — it poured.

The downpour didn’t dampen the RFHers’ St. Pat’s spirits, though. They stuck together, donned dry cleaning bags to keep them dry, smiled and paraded, said RFH Drill Team member and marcher Caroline Kaehler, who contributed this snapshot back in time.

“I just remember that it was cold and wet — but felt like it was a privilege to be in a N.Y. Parade throwing rifles (being the largest team in the U.S. at that time),” she said. “Fun times!”

Indeed. The RFH Drill Team, led by the iconic George Giffin, was a rifle-twirling sight to behold. Giffin kept the girls in step, marching and twirling with unique skill and precision. Many didn’t realize how unique the team was back then, but it’s always remembered with smiles and honor.

Nothing got in the RFH Drill Team or Marching Band’s way when they paraded. Rainy day doldrums? Never. Certainly not when the team that was meant to march had to march.

So, march on into St. Patrick’s Day this weekend, RFHers, with a NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade memory or 100.

Rain on an RFHer’s parade? Don’t even try, foul weather phantom!

Your RFH marching memory?

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