Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Submitted by Daniel J. Penney

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With a little luck, the cold sharp winds of March will soon give way to early spring warm breezes. Clean up is well under way to best prepare for a season of promise and opportunity. Achieving such outcomes to what was once great adversity, reminds me of the importance of St. Patrick’s Day and all that we have to be thankful for as it relates to the adversity that not only the Irish but so many immigrants faced in their journey’s to and upon arriving in America.

As a descendant of an Irish immigrant “mill girl” factory worker, the hardship stories of old are ones to never be forgotten. There were memories shared of eighteen hour work days and signs that once hung in storefront shop windows “Help Wanted - No Irish Need Apply” (NINA). Also, the offensive reference to the Irish poor who were associated with the term “Paddy Wagon”, a vehicle used to haul off the Irish from pub brawls.

As with most immigrants coming to America, the challenges were quickly overcome via a focus on close family ties and an unmatched work ethic. Adversity was seen as opportunity for cultural advancement and awareness which eventually resulted in great respect and accomplishments for the Irish.

With early guidance from an Irish born and trained architect, Irish skilled craftsmen placed some of the first bricks during construction of the White House. Once organized via such groups as the Middletown /Portland Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish descendants soon became respected accomplished public figures and business leaders, many of whom went on to be great mayors, governors and eventually hold the office of President of the United States.

Early English land grants, that recognized military service, most certainly set the solid footing that now supports a foundation of global inclusiveness and opportunity. Moving forward, such rich diversity of including ALL is what makes our land of promise ever stronger and more beautiful.

An old Irish blessing with a bit of a wink, “May you be in heaven a full hour before the devil knows you have passed”.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!