The Hibernians recognize September 13 as Commodore John Barry Day. John Barry was born on March 25, 1745 in Ballysampson, County Wexford. His family was evicted from their home and traveled to Rosslare to be with a family member who worked as a fishing skiff.
Young John admired his uncle and was determined to follow his example and have a life as a seaman. He started his life at sea as a cabin boy.
He immigrated to the American colonies at a young age, making Philadelphia home. There, he achieved his dream of owning his own ship.
When the American Revolution began, he was sympathetic to the American cause and volunteered his services. In service to the Revolution, Barry helped convert ships to make them ready for battle.
Father of the American Navy
The Hibernians recognize September 13 as Commodore John Barry Day. John Barry was born on March 25, 1745 in Ballysampson, County Wexford. His family was evicted from their home and traveled to Rosslare to be with a family member who worked as a fishing skiff.
Young John admired his uncle and was determined to follow his example and have a life as a seaman. He started his life at sea as a cabin boy.
He immigrated to the American colonies at a young age, making Philadelphia home. There, he achieved his dream of owning his own ship.
When the American Revolution began, he was sympathetic to the American cause and volunteered his services. In service to the Revolution, Barry helped convert ships to make them ready for battle.
Barry was commissioned a Captain and the order was signed by John Hancock, President of the Second Continental Congress. Barry commanded the warships Delaware, Lexington, Raleigh, Alliance and the United States.
He was issued Commission Number 1 by President George Washington, with the title Commodore. He is the first Commissioned Officer and considered the “Father of the American Navy.”
John Barry is a one of the examples of how Irish immigrants contributed to in the beginning of our country with their service, sacrifice and leadership. All Americans of Irish ancestry should be reminded to be rooted in our heritage and committed to the American ideal.
The Hibernians have honored the memory of Commodore Barry for more than a century. At the tune of the 20th century, Americans started to think about erecting statues to honor the American Revolution. A group of Congressmen were urged by those they represented to honor Commodore John Barry.
On March 12. 1904, Congressman Micheal Driscall of New York introduced a bill to honor American Maritime Hero, John Barry. The bill failed, but finally passed, in 1906, after the Congressman enlisted assistance from fraternal groups to lobby their members of Congress.
Resolutions of support of the bill to honor John Barry with a statue were received by the Ancient Order of Hibernians National and many states and divisions, such as Bishop John Ireland, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Knights of Columbus, to name a few. Congress funded and provided the land for the first statue, dedicated to the first memorial to the Irish born Catholic Revolutionary War Hero, John Barry, in Franklin Park, Washington DC., dedicated in 1914.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians have also honored Barry at the United States Naval Academy with the Barry Gate and Monument. Many Hibernian Divisions also are named after Commodore Barry and there is also a Commodore Barry Medal.
Each year, Hibernians gather to celebrate the memory of this remarkable man. Sites of remembrance are at his gravesite at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Philadelphia, the statues and bridges are named for him.
These commemorations are also statements of identity and pride. Along with honoring Barry, we also honor all those who have served and sacrificed for the freedom and dignity of America.
As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United State Navy, the Hibernians were asked again to honor Barry with a display on the USS New Jersey. A special thank you to Keith Carney and the Commodore Barry Division in Washington DC for their work on the display.
As Americans of Irish heritage, all of us are responsible for telling our stories on the contributions of the Irish in the history of the United States. This is very important for future generations to carry out the legacy of faith, patriotism and dedication to both Ireland and America that were demonstrated by John Barry and many other Irish immigrants.
