Saint Patrick's Day is one of the most·widely celebrated holidays in the world. Whether celebrating St. Patrick's Day by attending a parade or by visiting a local pub, people from around the world show up in droves to celebrate the holiday. Many people that celebrate it are not of Irish descent; yet, there is a longing in many of them to be a part this great and rich Irish culture. Many, though, fail to realize just how big a role the Irish have played in America. Irish-Americans have contributed greatly over the years into forming what America is today. Irish-Americans made tremendous strides in politics and industry.

The Irish played a major role in American politics from the inception of the nation. Eight of the fifty~six signers of the Constitution were of Irish descent; three of which, were born in Ireland and the other five were of a second generation Irish heritage. The Irish have a remarkable history as lawmakers in America. Two of the more notable lawmakers are Sandra Day O'Connor and George Mitchell. Sandra Day O'Connor was the first appointed female Supreme Court justice and was the swing vote in many Supreme· Court cases. One of the more famous cases that she was involved with was the Webster vs. Reproductive Health Services (1989) where abortions were restricted to only certain cases. Sandra Day O'Connor was a swing vote in this case and the case upheld a law giving states the right to regulate abortion laws. George Mitchell was the Senate Majority Leader from the years 1989-1995. He was pivotal in such legislations as the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 and the Clean Air Act. George Mitchell has also been a key player in Northern Ireland peace talks since 1995. Through his actions as a mediator, George Mitchell was able to be a part of the peace talks which stabilized a turbulent time in Irish society and was able to bring the Troubles to a dose.

The Irish contribution to American industry is still seen to this day. When the Irish first came to America, Prejudice was rampant. Many people simply refused to hire Irish. Only the worst and lowest paying jobs were reserved for the Irish; however, they labored to no end. Even with these prejudices the Irish thrived, and they were responsible for the creation of such works as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Union-Pacific Railroad, the Southern-Pacific Railroad, and the Erie Canal. Often, Irish laborers would work and live under poor conditions and were constantly plagued by diseases like cholera and typhoid. It was because of these conditions that many Irish-Americans began to band together and demand better working conditions. This was the beginning of organized tabor and the Irish were responsible for founding one of the earliest unions the Workingmen's Benevolent Association. It was the Irish-Americans that set the ball rolling for the creation of the widespread organized labor we now see nationwide.

It is quite apparent why so many people want to be Irish on Saint Patrick's Day. The history that surrounds the Irish is enough to make anyone want to be a part of it. I myself am proud to be Irish and look forward to St. Patrick's Day which I view as the celebration of the hard work and determination that Irish-Americans have accomplished to get America where it is today.

Ancient Order of the Hibernians

"There is a small nation that stood alone not for one year or two, but for several hundred years against aggression; that endured spoliations, famines, massacres in endless succession, a small nation that could never be got to accept defeat and has never surrendered her soul?" Through these cunningly simple words, Eamon De Valera epitomizes the fervor and resolution of the Irish people. Spoken on May 8^th 1945, Valera's steady phrases respond to the criticism of Irish neutrality during World War II. Unfortunately, This denigration existed in all aspects of lrish history, even upon their entrance into America. Nevertheless, encompassing their strong natures and sense of community, the Irish resisted oppression and rose to the height of American government, altering the country forever. Their tenacity directly forces America into reveling in the Irish spirit and fortitude. .

 Witnessing their staunch perseverance since the 17th century, America quickly transformed into the home of a multitude of Irishmen. Lamentably, however, the Irish's arrival based itself around lowly levels of indentured servitude and labor. Dismissing their unequal treatment, the Irish found great pride in their fresh country and quickly acted the role of true patriots. Shortly after their arrival, the American Revolution dawned and the Irish participated in hoards of numbers. Their success and audacity during war marked their initiation into American politics. In fact, of the 56 signatures stained upon the Declaration of Independence, over eight belonged to Irishmen. Furthermore, the thirty six delegates at the creation the Constitution contained at least six Irish as well. Eventually, Andrew Jackson, the son of lrish immigrants, ruled the country as first Irish President of the United States of America This growth and development within American politics exponentially intensified over time.

Ultimately, they permeated other aspects of law including enforcement and safety. Irish immigrants eventually consisted of over 40% of all police and fire departments. Their effects were resounding and inspiring. Knowledgeable of the tyrannical factors of discrimination, these Irishmen expressed a newfound tolerance towards various other religious groups, women, and ethnicities. Despite criticisms from committees such as The Know It All Party, the Irish allowed their influences to become the social normality. Their genial and tolerant attitudes were further expressed in the remaining 21 presidents of Irish descent including the minority supporter, John F. Kennedy .

.The progressive and resilient nature of the Irish community remains existent in all aspects of American society. Regardless of their severe persecution, the Irish have not only endured but strengthened over time. The image provided by their community is simply admirable, one which truly boasts the American spirit of determination and tenacity. Through their vigorous experiences, the Irish have provided the basis of the American government and infrastructure system while spreading their views of tolerance and unbiasness. Their impressive feats have earned them an often humorous but no doubt unwavering popularity within modem culture. A common cliche notes that "imitation is the best form of flattery". American society obviously demonstrates this through their high regards of the Irish community. Simply, the Irish are a group to be both respected and commended, one of extreme authority and pride in contemporary America.