I’ve been blessed to come from an amazing family, the Barrett’s. With Frank and Ruth (nee Nealon) as our Patriarch and Matriarch of this big clan, they taught me right from wrong and taught us all to be generous with our heart and care for your fellow man. The values passed on are the same as those embodied in the AOH motto of “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity. ” I have been lucky to have grown up in this beautiful place we call home, Omaha.

I have met so many of you and made lasting, loving,  friendships over many decades. I’ve worked in national and local politics. I’ve worked with presidents, congressmen, mayors, city councilmen and county officers.  I have lobbied you,  raised money from,  and for you and I’ve loved it all. When the AOH  approached me to be Grand Marshal of the annual parade, I was so surprised and excited (yes…I cried like a baby)! My mother’s family left the Pennsylvania coalfields when the AOH was under attack and tainted by the “Molly Maguire” executions. My great, great grandparents were settled in the “wilds of Nebraska” under the auspices of the Irish Catholic Colonization Association, championed by Bishop O’Connor of Omaha. Considering the role these organizations played in integrating my newly-arrived Irish immigrants into the American life, I consider this a  great honor! My ancestors are dancing a  jig in heaven and enjoying a pint of Guinness or a Jameson (assuming there is no Red Breast). 
Thank you for this great honor!

 Dia ‘s Muire dhuit! (God and Mary be with you)