I have a question for you. Did you know March is Irish American Heritage Month? Which gives us a chance for us to tip back a Guinness and contemplate the Irish blood that flows through the heart of America. From John F. Kennedy to Brad Pitt, some of the most prolific, and influential Americans are of Irish descent. March gives us the opportunity to reflect upon this heritage and celebrate what is a unique and brilliant history.
HISTORY OF IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Irish American Heritage Month was first celebrated by proclamation of the President in 1991. It seemed natural to choose March ie Saint Patrick’s Day which falls on March 17th for the month-long recognition of the contributions that Irish immigrants and their descendants have made to U.S. Society. 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, and the top political figure from Ireland, the “Taoiseach,” visiting to conduct a Shamrock-giving ceremony at the Oval Office, followed in the evening by 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 perhaps 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. Which 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 breadth and depth of their contributions to American Society. Including 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 and high spirits that the Irish are known for, subsist on Irish food and drink iit’s more than Haggis and Boiled Cabbage), dye your hair, and do whatever you can to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Emerald Isle.
- Having a Green Beer is a longstanding March tradition worthy of joining in. It’s a blue food coloring that is added to the Ale, and not green? The blue pigment mixes with the beer’s amber hue to turn the beer green.
- Food, music, and dance are only some of the fun cultural events that take place around St. Patrick’s Day Which itself marks the arrival of the Catholic faith in old Ireland.
FIVE CELEBRITIES OF IRISH DESCENT
- Nicole Kidman whi is known as a cherished import from Australia, was actually born in Hawaii to parents who gave her Irish, English, and Scottish genes.
- Brad Pitt t 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 knows that this household name 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.
- Jennifer Aniston The “Friends” star’s father is of Greek descent, but Jennifer also has her 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. There’s no limit to how deep you can dig into Ireland’s literature, and Scientific contributions.
- These colorful, important stories deserve to be told because they are an important part of American history.
- 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
