We have all seen the beautiful tradition of placing candles in the windows at Christmas time. This tradition of placing candles in the windows of homes during the Christmas season was brought to America by Irish immigrants in the 19th century. However, beyond mere decoration as Irish Americans these Christmas candles have a special significance. They reflect the fortitude and … [Read more...] about A Christmas Candle in the Window

It is an iconic image of WW II, a photo taken on June 6, 1944 showing American soldiers exiting a landing craft coming ashore at Omaha beach. A few months later on October 20th, another photo captured the moment General Douglas MacArthur “returned” to the Philippines, wading ashore from a landing craft. Neither of these historic moments would have been possible without one man, … [Read more...] about Andrew Higgins, the Irish American ‘Noah’ of WW II

In a mid-19th century classroom in one of Ireland's new "National Schools", pointed to as an example of a more "progressive" British policy in Ireland as they provided non-denominational education, a teacher faced a rebellion. One of his young students, a short, dark-haired son of a brewery clerk, refused to sing "God Save the Queen" as required at the start of the school day. … [Read more...] about JOHN DEVOY, A LIFE GIVEN FOR IRELAND

Daniel O’Connell was born August 6. 1775 at Carhen near Cahirciveen , County Kerry. Though his family could trace their roots back to the famous chieftains of the 14th century, 18th century Ireland was dominated politically, economically and socially by the minority Protestant ascendancy. It was still an era of the Penal Laws; a world where many of the doors of opportunity were … [Read more...] about “The Liberator”, Daniel O’Connell

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 Veteran’s 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