That’s the first sensible comment I’ve seen posted about this whole mess. What’s the parade organizers’ policy concerning Irish political issues, though?
This is just an impression, from a kid at the time:
In the 60s there used to be a bit of, ‘England out of Ireland’ sentiment, and some banners, but the faithful in Ireland, the sentiment was England out of Ireland, but... there were most very against the violence. And there were many very against the IRA for its tactics.
In America, there wasn’t any of it. No fighting, violence. there was the understanding that it was their (the Irish in Ireland) business not the Irish in America, and there was also a sort of room for all opinions.
At the parade, strictly speaking, that is. If that helps. In Boston, the parade organizers, I do not know.
Years ago, maybe in the 70s(?), I did see an "England out of Ireland" float in the parade, but in recent decades, the policy has been no political statements.
Until some time in the 60s or early 70s, the parade wasn't as big a thing, since it was held on March 17, not the nearest Sunday, so attendees were basically school children and Suffolk County (Boston) employees (it's a holiday for public county and city employees.