From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Merry Christmas to you and your family from the McKay's. Please take a moment to enjoy two brilliant Christmas Articles from National Historian Mike McCormack and Christmas Greetings from some of your National Board members. AMERICA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND In our Motto, James F. McKay III Irish Christmas Blessing The light of the Christmas star to you, The warmth of home and hearth to you, The cheer and good will of friends to you, The hope of a childlike heart to you, The joy of a thousand angels to you, The love of the Son … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas from the AOH National Board
Archives for December 2016
AMERICA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS
In 1982, archeologist Dr. Robert Pyle investigated a petroglyph, or rock carving, in Wyoming County, West Virginia. Many such carvings exist whose origins are shrouded in mystery, but Pyle thought this one unique for the carving looked like early runic writing. He lychen-dated it as having been carved between 500 and 700 AD. He recorded every detail of the carving in 18 separate visits, and gave the story to a local newspaper. A reader clipped the article and sent it to the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce which published it in their periodical: Wonderful West Virginia. A copy of the … [Read more...] about AMERICA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS
CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND
The Christmas season in Ireland is a happy combination of modern and ancient customs that combine to bring a unique meaning to this special time of year. While Christmas shopping, decorated trees, and Santa Claus are evident everywhere, traditional customs that signify the true meaning of this holy season still remain in small towns and villages where some people still celebrate the holy feast as their ancestors had for generations. On Christmas Eve, the windows are decorated with garlands of holly and ivy with candles centered in each -- often in a hollowed-out turnip for support. The … [Read more...] about CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND
AOH Update – December
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Christmas is upon us and many divisions are in the process of installing new officers and hosting Christmas parties. We wish you all success as we move forward and continue to grow the premier Irish Catholic Organization in the USA. Once your installation is complete please send in an updated Form-9 so the National and State Boards know whom you new officers are. This should be completed every time there is any change in you officers at every level. Today’s e-mail features an article from Charities and Missions Chair Ted Sullivan. Missions and … [Read more...] about AOH Update – December
AOH Update – Hibernian Charity
From: Ted M. Sullivan, Chairman of Charities and Missions On behalf of the AOH and Hibernian Charity I would like to extend a Happy Christmas and New Year to you and your families. As part of our Motto, Charity is the heart of our Faith and Organization. The Mission of the Hibernian Charity is to support the Constitutional Purpose of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America as they seek to, enhance, and protect our Catholic Church as well as Irish History, Culture, and aid our Membership when in distress. What is Hibernian Charity? The Hibernian Charity a 501-3 charitable enterprise was … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Hibernian Charity
AOH Update – Immigration
Brothers, Irish immigrants, after centuries of British religious, economic and political oppression, contributed to the creation of this great nation. General George Washington recognized this on March 16, 1780, by declaring St. Patrick's Day a holiday for all his troops in gratitude for the courage of the Irish in his command. In 1812, we again defended America from attacks by the British. Later, our Catholic immigrants founded the AOH in America to fight discrimination, prejudice and attacks on our families, churches and religious leaders by nativists and Know-Nothings. The Medal Of Honor, … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Immigration
AOH Update – Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award – Call for Nomination
To: All Officers of the AOH/LAOH in America From: Daniel J. O’Connell, AOH National Vice President/MacBride Award Chair Carol Sheyer, LAOH National Vice President/MacBride Award Vice Chair Re: Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award Nominations Date: November, 2016 In accordance with Article XXVII of the National Constitution of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, we are sending this letter to all eligible members to request nominees for the 2017 Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award. This award will be conferred to memorialize the human rights contributions made by … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award – Call for Nomination
GEORGE WASHINGTON’S CHRISTMAS IRISH
There were a few Irishmen living in and around Trenton, NJ prior to the Revolutionary War. Among them were Paddy Colvin and Sam McConkey, who ran two Delaware River ferries; Paddy Lamb, who resided near Quaker Bridge on Assunpink Creek; and John Honeyman, a retired British soldier, now a butcher and cattle-dealer in nearby Griggstown. They were all there during a very special Christmas adventure. Toward the end of 1776, George Washington’s patriot army retreated from New York through New Jersey, headed for the Delaware River with the British army in hot pursuit. On December 1, he sent … [Read more...] about GEORGE WASHINGTON’S CHRISTMAS IRISH
Immigration Report – December 2016
I wish all the Blessings of Christmas and a happy, prosperous 2017 to you and yours. This Christmas, sadly, is an anxious time for Irish Immigrants and their families. Campaign promises from the President-elect threaten programs that the Irish facilitate to work here, and deportation may separate families. We remain committed to working with US lawmakers, Irish Immigration Centers, Senator Billy Lawless, the Chicago Celts and Irish Ambassador Anne Anderson and others to promote fair and legal paths for the Irish and end the plight of the undocumented. I will be hosting conference calls and … [Read more...] about Immigration Report – December 2016