Slainte

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! This Irish soul treasures the true meaning of the day. It is truly an appreciation for the Saint that brought Christianity to Ireland by blending in with the Celtic traditions that existed at the time.

Of course, we Americans love any excuse to party so we have turned the celebration into such an experience that I actually choose to stay home this evening. Too many celebrants on the road make it dangerous.

What we are truly celebrating is the resilience of a population of people that overcome adversity again and again – in their own country and in the countries they adopted.

For it was that very adversity that drove so many Irish to travel in deplorable conditions to the land of opportunity – America.

Once here, they found that their ways were not welcomed and that people did not like them or the religion they brought with them. Many employers displayed signs that said, “Irish need not apply” and places of business closed their doors to them as well as restaurants.

My, how far we have come. Today, most restaurants will go Irish for the day – even other ethnic restaurants. All bars will have drink specials and many will serve “green” beer, green apple martinis or whatever other concoctions they can dream of that are green.

I pause to consider the exclusion of my ancestors and the hardships they must have endured. I can’t help but wonder what they would think of America’s celebration of their heritage now. And what would they think about the fact that everyone – most Americans – want to be Irish for the day.

We are celebrated as a fun-loving people who like our stout but bring joy to our fellow citizens at the same time.

Isn’t that the story of the American immigrant? Often isolated, often fought against, and eventually accepted.

I have been blessed to travel to the land of my heritage and have fallen in love with the Emerald Isle. It has a beauty that brings peace to my soul. Ireland has also done an amazing job of protecting life from the Celts, early Christianity and even preserving their difficult history.

So, put on your green and be Irish for the day. Celebrate the amazing resilience of a population that rises again and again – no matter the challenge.

Erin Go Bragh.