Happy Irish-American Heritage Month! Every year since 1991, the president and Congress designate March as the time to honor the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants. I hope that hasn’t changed. Some people may only think about the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Perhaps they attend one of the two parades held in St. Louis, drink green beer or dance an Irish jig. My only hope is they don’t use the day to over imbibe and scream “Erin go Bragh!” Which, if you are truly Irish, annoys the hell out of you.
I have written before about tracing my ancestors to Ireland. They were part of the more than 4.5 million who arrived in the United States between 1820 and 1930 in an attempt to escape poverty and famine. Let’s just say they were not met with open arms. The Irish apparently had a reputation as being uncultured, drunk, pugnacious and almost savage-like. In cartoons, the Irish are depicted as ape-like drunks. Remember, they had an advantage by speaking English (maybe a little more colorfully), but it still was hard for them to be accepted.
But where would this country be without the Irish? There are more than 253 Irish born men who have received the Medal of Honor. Everyone knows that John F. Kennedy was Irish, but did you also know that Barack Obama can trace his roots back to Moneygall in County Offaly as a great (times 5) grandson of Joseph Kearney? Ireland gave us Spencer Tracy, Bing Crosby and Gene Kelly. But did you know that Walt Disney’s ancestors also hailed from Ireland? Yes, the Irish are to blame for that horrible ride at Disney World, It’s a Small World After All. (And I am to blame for the ear worm that has planted the song in your head.)
Without the Irish, there would be no Guinness or Jameson, two of the finest adult beverages you can drink. The Irish, normally a peace-loving group, also invented the guided missile, tank and submarine. And most importantly, the flavored potato chip, or crisp as they are called in Ireland. A world without barbecue potato chips? Horrible to contemplate.
Immigration. Without it, these United States would not exist. Over the past few years, the topic has caused lots of heated discussions among friends and foes. Everyone has an opinion, but the reality is, unless you are a Native American, you came from somewhere else. I know there wasn’t a crowd of well-wishers waiting to greet my great-grandfather Patrick Fitzgerald or my great-great-grandfather Daniel Noonan when they arrived in New York City. Both made their way to St. Louis, where a load of other Fitzgeralds/Noonans/Gallaghers were born and became roofers, policemen, doctors, CPAs, lawyers, priests, nuns and parents. And to my knowledge, not a one of us has ended up in prison. (Well, except for great Uncle Mike, but I don’t think he was convicted.) It is a nice story to remember on St. Patrick’s Day, two men’s successful immigration to the United States that resulted in so many of us living such an amazing life. Just remember: If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough!
Contact Patty at phannum@townandstyle.com.
