History as written is not always accurate. Revised versions of past events have often been presented to support a specific agenda, quoting facts out of context, citing only those which support conclusions already reached, and exaggerating, minimizing or omitting those that don't. Some revise history to glorify or inspire support for a cause or cover up transgressions of their predecessors. In recent years a number of books have appeared that explode some of the myths of history, but sadly, many revisionist versions are still presented as fact in our school texts. One of the most revised … [Read more...] about An Echo from Irish History for November
Historical Happenings
The Seafaring Irish
Ireland has the largest percentage of coastline in Europe, in fact, there are few spots in Ireland more than 70 miles from water. That circumstance led many to ask why the victims of The Great Hunger didn’t simply go fishing? It has been suggested that if they had been a seafaring race, they would have avoided much of that tragedy. The fact is that the early Irish were a seafaring race, and the suggestion that they weren't only illustrates the misinformation surrounding the period known as The Great Hunger. That the early Irish were no strangers to the sea is revealed in her ancient … [Read more...] about The Seafaring Irish
It Happened in August
The Medal of Honor, sometimes referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor since it is awarded by Congress, is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. It signifies uncommon valor above and beyond the call of duty in defense of our nation - often at the risk of life and limb. Since March, 1863, when the first Medal of Honor was presented, 254 have been received by native-born Irishmen - more than twice the number given to any other foreign-born nationality. When America decided to establish a memorial to those whose extraordinary valor defended her in times of need, a … [Read more...] about It Happened in August
It Happened in July
Many things happened in the month of July which have a significant meaning to those of Irish descent. Among the many are the Irish and Irish Americans who contributed to the American Revolution that created this great nation and those who subsequently defended it. Among the latter are many familiar names, but there are also some who are not that familiar, but should be. One example of the latter is Patrick Henry O’Rorke. Who? Exactly! Patrick Henry O’Rorke was born in County Cavan on March 28, 1836. His parents brought him to America as a child and settled in the section of Rochester, NY … [Read more...] about It Happened in July
It Happened in June
In the early 1700s, Maurice O’Brien, a native of Co. Cork, emigrated to America and settled in Kittery (near Portsmouth), then moved to Scarborough (near Portland), Maine. He was a volunteer in the expedition against Louisburg in 1745 which was one of the most extraordinary military achievements of the New England Colonies. Louisburg, on the Island of Cape Breton, belonged to the French who threatened the New England lumber industry and spent millions erecting fortifications. The New Englanders attacked and won the fort. In 1765, O’Brien moved to Machias, about 50 miles up the Maine coast … [Read more...] about It Happened in June