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

In the summer of 1896, a newly ordained Priest said one of his first masses at St.  Peter’s 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 Man’s Land

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 father’s 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

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 “Golden Door” and the “American Dream”. It is estimated that today over forty percent of the United States … [Read more...] about Annie Moore, First Through the Golden Door