Irish American Heritage Month
I would like to ask you a question this morning. Did you know March is Irish-American Heritage Month? Which gives us a chance for us to tip back a Guinness Beer and contemplate the Irish blood that flows through the heart of America. From John F. Kennedy to Brad Pitt, some of the most famous, and influential Americans are of Irish descent. March is our opportunity to reflect upon this heritage, learn more about it, and celebrate history.
HISTORY OF IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Irish-American Heritage Month was first celebrated by proclamation of the President in 1991. Which seemed natural to choose March because Saint Patrick’s Day falls on March 17th. For the month-long recognition of the contributions that Irish immigrants and their descendants have made to U.S. Society. Virtually every realm of American endeavor, from steel working to biotechnology has seen improvement through Irish-descended hands and minds.
The tradition of the Presidential proclamation continues on a yearly basis, with the top political figure from Ireland, the “Taoiseach,” visiting to conduct a Shamrock-giving ceremony at the Oval Office. Then in the evening a reception attended by the President and other key figures of both governments.
Most people know the basic facts of the influx of Irish families to the shores of the United States during the 19th Century, with the image of the Irish immigrant being conscripted into the Army minutes after stepping off the boat. The most ingrained in the minds of former grade-school history students.
What is less talked about is the anti-immigrant sentiment that was often faced by new Irish Americans, largely a result of their Catholicism. Catholicism clashed with the predominantly Protestant backgrounds of the majority of families whose members had been among the original Colonists. Irish Americans faced bitter competition, even slanted legislation, in their search for good jobs and a place to call home.
This month we recognize not only the overcoming of those obstacles by Irish Americans but also the incredible depth of their contributions to American Society, from the Union’s edge over the Confederacy in the Civil War to the intellectual contributions that have kept our Country on the top tiers of accomplishment.
HOW TO OBSERVE IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
- Join in the expression of cheer that the Irish are known for, eat Irish food and drink. Which is more than Haggis and Boiled Cabbage. You could dye your hair green. Or do whatever you can to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Emerald Isle.
- Have a green Beer during March is a longstanding March tradition worthy of joining in. Did you know that it’s a blue food coloring added to the Ale, and not green? The blue pigment mixes with the Beer’s amber hue to make the green color.
- You should take part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations which include food, music, and dance which marks the arrival of the Catholic faith in Old Ireland.
FIVE CELEBRITIES OF IRISH DESCENT
- Nicole Kidman is known as a cherished import from Australia who was actually born in Hawaii to parents who gave her Irish, English, and Scottish genes.
Brad Pittis the son of a school counselor and a trucking company manager. Brad Pitt is mainly of English ancestry, but also Irish and Welsh.
Robert DeNiro has Italian blood, but you may not be aware of his maternal grandmother’s Irish stock.
George Clooney was born in Lexington, Kentucky, of Irish, German, and English ancestry. Did you know George Clooney tried out for the Cincinnati Reds before discovering acting?
Jennifer Aniston The “Friends” star’s father is of Greek descent, but Jennifer Aniston’s mother’s English, Irish, and Scottish forebears’ blood in her veins.
WHY IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IS IMPORTANT
- It’s a window into the Irish culture and it’s always fun to learn new things, and there’s no limit to how deep you can dig into Ireland’s literature, Scientific contributions, and rich history. The best part? Anybody can join in the celebration!
- It reveals the textured stories of Irish immigrants. These colorful, important stories deserve to be told because they are an important part of American history.
- Irish Americans can connect with their roots. The original Irish immigrants brought with them their food, music, and a new style of political organizing among many other traditions.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
