By: Denise Foley

Philadelphia Highway Patrol Officer Richard Decoatsworth receives his Ring of Honor sash from Kathy McGee Burns of the parade committee, while the other Ring recipients--families of slain officers--applaud.

When the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off on Sunday, March 15, one of the first banners to come down the Parkway holds the names of seven Philadelphia police officers killed in the line of duty in the past three years.

The theme of this year's parade is "St. Patrick, Guide Us to Peace and Prosperity," particularly apt for these times in the city.

Their families were honored by the parade committee on Thursday, March 12, at a luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel on Broad Street, following ceremonies at City Hall during which Mayor Nutter proclaimed March "Irish Month," in the city.

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