Twitter
Facebook
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, it is a good time to talk about Irish history.
More than 70 million people can lay claim to Irish ancestry. They all have ties with a history that has been both sad and troubled, and resolute in the face of hardship.
The island of Ireland has been inhabited for more than 8,000 years. It was shaped by pre-Celtic wanders, by Celts, Vikings, Normans, Huguenots, Scots and Englishmen − all who engaged in conflict and bloodshed. All of those saints and scholars, who fled from their Mediterranean homes seeking refuge in Ireland, played a significant role in re-civilizing and re-Christianizing Western Europe.
Another important time in Irish history was the time of the “An Gota Mor,” or the Great Famine. Between 1845 and 1850, an epidemic struck the potato crops throughout Europe. But, only in Ireland did this disease lead to widespread famine and death.
During that time, the Irish population was reduced to approximately half of the pre-famine days. The impact of the famine is seen by many historians as a turning point in Ireland’s history.
While the Irish fled from one form of oppression, they were faced with another: the struggle for freedom and civil rights.
Through all this the Irish continued to come to the U.S., with the hope of providing their families a better life. I am second generation Irish, meaning my grandparents come from Ireland. I can still remember them telling me they came to America “where the streets were paved with gold.” All the time, they sent money back to their families in Ireland.
In Ireland, the struggle continued, ultimately leading up to Irish independence or at least, partial independence. Michael Collins went to England to negotiate what he hoped would be the final chapter in securing Ireland’s independence. But, Ireland was divided by civil war which led to what is called “The Troubles.”
Today, we see a more peaceful process to securing what many hope to be the unification of Ireland.
In reading Irish and Irish- American history, you will find many similarities and differences from the various cultures. For these reasons, I hope this St. Patrick’s Day that we can all learn and appreciate them. On St. Paddy’s Day, some say, “Everyone is Irish on St Patrick’s Day.” So, wear your green to show your support for all things Irish. “Erin Go Bragh” (Long Live Ireland).
• There will be a St. Patrick’s Day parade on Ramstein at
10 a.m. Saturday. The parade starts at the School Age Services building, marches past the commissary and finishes at the youth center with a celebration.
