Guest Author
It is not often that any of us are deeply moved. I recently had the honor of attending a celebration of 100 Irish-Americans in Education, selected by the government of Ireland and Irish Voices newspaper.
My reaction had less to do with my selection, for which I am humbled and honored, and more to do with the the event itself.
Sitting in the home of Irish Consul General Noel Kilkenny in the old Irish neighborhood Murray Hill in Manhattan, I was struck by the ties of history that bind us all.
Surely our great country is a tapestry, linking each of us to a homeland somewhere across some ocean. The connections tie each to those who came before: the tired, hungry, poor, wretched refuse yearning to be free. Most yearned for even more: the chance to make a better life for their children.
I come from a mixed ancestry, although in my case the mix is more of a blend of counties in Ireland, plus a dash of this or that. But as I sat listening to the words of dignitaries from the Old Country, their words washed over me as I thought back upon “the Hunger” that drove so many out of Ireland. An empty stomach is great motivator.
The Irish have a long history of being oppressed. They suffered for centuries, yet they persevered, building a country that Irish around the world are proud of.
What moved me the most is the strength of the human spirit. Through centuries of oppression and poverty, Irish culture, music, literature and faith never died. It survived in Ireland and through the American spirit. We are all blessed, but we must retain the remarkable courage of those who came before.
The blessings in Ireland came in part from knowing that from the worst of times — “The Troubles” — came a nation that is as impressive as its people have always been.
I was blessed to be selected. I know in large part I live so I might honor those who struggled so hard before me. May we face 2014 resolved to stay on the path of progress. Merry Christmas!
