Memorial Day is the day when the United States honors those who have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our country. It is not to be confused with Veteranās Day which is a day when we rightfully honor all those who served. Memorial Day is when we should remember and give thanks to those who traded all their tomorrows so that we can enjoy today. From the beginning, … [Read more...] about Reflections on Memorial Day
History
A Meeting in Rockland, a Reunion in No Manās Land
In the summer of 1896, a newly ordained Priest said one of his first masses at St. Peterās in Haverstraw, Rockland County. Though the young Cleric was born in Ontario Canada, he was the grandson of Irish immigrants who had fled the horrors of the Great Hunger. During the mass, he was assisted by a young Irish American altar boy who was born and raised in … [Read more...] about A Meeting in Rockland, a Reunion in No Manās Land
Three Irishmen and the Earliest Medal of Honor
On a cold January morning in what was then the New Mexico Territory but today is known as Arizona, 12 year old Felix Ward was tending his fatherās herd of sheep and cattle. Felix was the adopted son of John Ward who had immigrated to America from Ireland during the Great Hunger and had traveled west to seek his fortune in the gold fields of California. While not finding gold in … [Read more...] about Three Irishmen and the Earliest Medal of Honor
Annie Moore, First Through the Golden Door
One of the great icons of American History will observe its 125th anniversary on January 1, 2017; Ellis Island. During its period of operation from 1892 till 1954, over 12 million immigrants entered through the immigration station that was to become synonymous with the āGolden Doorā and the āAmerican Dreamā. It is estimated that today over forty percent of the United States … [Read more...] about Annie Moore, First Through the Golden Door
Thomas Osborne Davis and the birth of “The A Nationāļ»æļ»æ
The often heard lament when people are faced with injustice or frustrated with the apparent state of affairs of society is āWhat can one person do?ā Yet, if history teaches us anything it is that great events or movements rarely spring out of the ground fully formed; they can usually be trace back to one man or woman with a vision. Sadly and unjustly these great individuals are … [Read more...] about Thomas Osborne Davis and the birth of “The A Nationāļ»æļ»æ