Twenty-three-year-old Meghan Brown is heading home to South Boston, Massachusetts, for St. Patrick's Day. It's been three-and-a-half years since she left her close-knit family to pursue a singing career in New York City. But in South Boston, Brown is already a star. She is often called upon to sing at weddings and neighborhood events, and she has been singing the national anthem at the pre-St. Patrick's Day banquet each year since she was 12.
This year, not only will she sing the anthem, but she will also kick off the parade by blowing the official golden whistle. In South Boston, this is the ultimate honor.
Brown is first shown at her Queens apartment in New York City before she boards the airplane for the one-hour flight. She is welcomed at the airport by her parents and family friend Mary Ellen. After a joyful reunion, the group drives to Brown's house, where a large group of friends and relatives have gathered to welcome her home. She is thrilled with the reception and happily sings for the crowd.
The following day, Brown goes to her old school, St. Bridget's, to visit Sister Agnes Ann. Sister Ann taught her to play the piano, and Sister Evelyn was her first-grade teacher. At St. Bridget's church, Brown sings while Sister Ann accompanies her on the piano--just like old times.
Next up is a performance by Brown at the annual South Boston Citizen's Association Banquet, where sings the national anthem and receives the official whistle she will use to kick off the parade.
On St. Patrick's Day, she heads out into the bustling neighborhood. Thousands have turned out to enjoy the event, which features attractions such as several Irish bands and dozens of dancers and floats. With a blow of the whistle and a wave of the hand, Brown begins the parade. With her official duties complete, she opts to spend the remainder of the morning with her close childhood friend.
