This past April in Massachusetts, the 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride was commemorated. It is the time for all of us to reflect on the American Revolution and the founding of our country. The National Boards of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians will be collaborating how to recognize the contributions of Irish Americans throughout the past 250 years as a nation.
The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc (LAOH) sponsors a National Irish History Contest for students in Grades 6 through 12. The contest is comprised of two (2) levels: Level 1 is for students in Grades 6, 7, or 8; Level 2 is for students in Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Students enrolled in parochial, private, public schools or who are home-schooled are eligible to participate. Students do not need to be Irish to participate. This year’s topic: The Irish and the American Revolution: How the Irish affected the outcome of the American Revolution. For information see www.ladiesaoh.com.
The United States Army was established on June 14, 1775, and will be commemorating their distinguished service. The Army is older than the United States.
We would not be a country if it were not for the patriots that served in the Continental Army. We owe them our gratitude. The theme of the Army’s celebration is, “This We’ll Defend.”
General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, in speaking of the anniversary, states, “As we prepare for our future, we also reflect on our past. This we’ll defend’ was first used as a battle cry by the Continental Army. Today it reminds us that our Army’s purpose is clear: to fight and win the nation’s wars. We remain committed to honing our warfighting skills, enforcing standards and discipline, and living the values that have defined our Army culture for the past 250 years.”
Many Irish served in the Continental Army and also serve in the various branches of our military. Let us remember that our freedom is not free and the men and women of our Armed Forces have, as stated on the United States website for this important commemoration, “Army Soldiers, families and civilians have supported our nation, bearing true faith and allegiance to the country, the Constitution, their units and fellow team members as they defend the nation and provide assistance in times of need, including disaster relief and recovery efforts.”
On June 14, there are plans for a military parade to honor the United States Army. This parade will honor their service and the gratitude of all Americans. As Sgt, Major of the Army, Michael Weimer, states, “For 250 years, soldiers have proudly served our country and protected its people, with our oath to support and defend the Constitution as our guiding principle. We continue to stand ready to respond to the needs of the nation, and to fight and win when called upon. This we’ll defend!” There will be many commemorations leading up to our nation’s 250th birthday. The most important way to honor our country is to be an engaged citizen, speaking up against injustice.
John F. Kennedy
As President Kennedy stated in his Inaugural address:
“In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility – I welcome it.
I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it – and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”
