Happy Independence Day 2016

July 4, 2016 by Irish American Mom 18 Comments

Happy 4th of July!

I LOVE America’s birthday. It’s wonderful how it lands at the beginning of hot and steamy July, perfect for family get-togethers, barbecues, and having good old fashioned fun.

I often wonder how Jefferson would view our celebrations today, including fireworks, beer drinking, non-stop-all-day eating, and crazy American flag themed garb, from hats to bikinis.

Would Jefferson approve? While we all recognize the Fourth of July as the most patriotic of all American holidays, it’s also the most nostalgic and sentimental holiday of the summer. Despite being born in Ireland, I have become an American citizen, and embrace this annual celebration.

I thought today would be fitting to share my photos of American pride, together with ten reasons why I love Independence Day.

#1: The History:

Let’s face it! The 4th of July is the most significant national holiday in the United States. We celebrate the fact thirteen of the original American Colonies declared themselves independent of the British Empire, and formed into the states we know today.

The second Continental Congress ratified this Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776. The second statement in the Declaration of Independence is one I hope my children will commit to memory …

“We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator

with certain unalienable Rights,

that among these are Life, Liberty

and the pursuit of Happiness.”

#2: The Heat:

Yes! I love the heat that is usually guaranteed all across America on the 4th of July. We are so lucky Jefferson and his cosignatories decided to ratify the Declaration of Independence bang smack in the middle of summer, rather than in the dead of winter.

Without all the summer fun and hoopla, I think Indpendence Day celebrations would be less enthusiastic if the day fell just before or after Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It is this holiday’s summer scheduling that allows Independence Day stand out on its own, and be celebrated in a uniquely American way.

#3: Parades:

Fourth of July parades come in all shapes and sizes. Some are huge affairs, organized at city level. Some parades are small, but cuter than cute.

I love to see kids waving flags with patriotic zeal as sweaty parents pull them along the parade route in little red wagons. Trust me, I’ve been there and done my fair share of wagon pulling. And what makes a parade even cooler is when the route is lined with cheering grandparents.

Independence Day parades are a quintessential part of being American. I think partaking in a local Texas parade was a turning point in my American evolution. After waving my American flag from the back of a friend’s pick-up truck, I knew I was truly an American.

#4: The Food:

Forget your healthy eating on the 4th of July. No green smoothies today.

The grub is all about barbecue, burgers, hot dogs, potato chips with every seasoning combination imaginable, corn on the cob dripping in melted butter, potato salad made with lashings of mayonnaise, shrimp, ketchup, mustard, watermelon, cookies, patriotic cakes. I could go on and on.

But hold the pickles for me. This Irish girl still hasn’t learned to eat an American pickle – just haven’t reached that stage of my American evolution.

Forget about your diet today. Enjoy your all American feast that is an essential part of every July 4th celebration.

#5: Outdoor Games:

You don’t need a pool to have fun outdoors on the 4th. An outdoor pool does help cool things off, but don’t let the lack thereof hamper any outdoor antics.

Corn toss screams Independence Day to this Irish girl, especially here in Kentucky. Tossing the bag at just the right speed and trajectory is a skill I practice only on the 4th of July.

But let’s face it, the options are endless for outdoor games. Badminton, volleyball, egg and spoon races, patriotic sack races, ring toss, horse shoes – the sky’s the limit.

But my favorite thing of all, at the end of each Independence Day, is to watch my kids chasing fire flies in our back yard. There’s something so American about fireflies. Don’t have those little critters in Ireland.

#6: Fireworks:

Fourth of July would not be a truly patriotic national birthday celebration without fireworks.

I have wonderful firework memories from my early years in New York/New Jersey. I lived in Hoboken and every year we would gather on the roof top of our apartment building to watch the most amazing fireworks exploding in the sky right in front of us.

Even though New York’s fireworks were on the Brooklyn side of Manhattan, our rooftop vantage point in Hoboken was just perfect.

#7: Patriotic Clothing:

Many Americans display their patriotism by wearing clothing with patterns and designs of the American flag. Some believe this practice violates the US Flag Code.

Sorry for getting a little controversial on Independence Day, but I personally love some of the shirts and hats worn by people on this special day.

Here are my thoughts. Flag patterned clothing is a way for citizens to demonstrate their patriotism. It is the actual flag that should never be used as clothing or as a blanket. The only exception would be when an Olympic champion or a military veteran drapes a flag over their shoulders on a special occasion.

I love how so many Americans demonstrate their allegiance by wearing red, white and blue in crazy stars and stripe patterns, that only the most talented designers could ever create.

#8: Flags:

Millions of American flags will fly high across the nation today, stirring patriotic thoughts, feelings, and memories for Americans.

Seeing Old Glory displayed throughout neighborhoods gives us a fierce sense of loyalty and pride. The star-spangled banner symbolizes the core values and beliefs of this nation, which we celebrate today.

I love how so many Americans raise a flag outside their home on this important day. Thank you America!

#9: Friends and Family:

Another reason I love July 4^th is because it is a happy-go-lucky kind of a day. The atmosphere is jovial and less stressed than during other holidays.

It’s a day when people eat, drink and be merry. Moods are upbeat, stories are shared and laughter rings loudly. So grab a chair, preferably one that’s plonked right beside a friend or a relative. Have a sip of lemonade or beer or whatever takes your fancy, and just let the conversation flow. Today is all about friends and family.

#10: Freedom To Celebrate Freedom:

And finally, on a more serious note, let’s talk about freedom. This term is batted around easily, but why do we really appreciate freedom on the 4th. Here are my thoughts…

America is full of diversity. We are all so very, very different. But on the 4th of July we all come together to celebrate America’s independence and our rights to be different.

It does not matter whether we worship in a beautiful rural wooden church, or under the big, open skies of America; whether we choose to go forth and multiply or not to have children at all; whether we pay an arm and a leg to educate our offspring in private schools, or gather around the family table to share our knowledge though home schooling; nor whether we choose to stay in our own neck of the woods, or travel the four corners of the globe, there is one certainty this Monday.

We all gather together to celebrate our freedom to make these choices, and to rejoice as a nation, because today is America’s birthday.

Happy Birthday America!

And so, there you have it. My top ten reasons for loving the 4th of July.

Remember, be sure to let the kids go wild and run free, sit down and have a chat with family and friends, watch a parade, enjoy the light show, set off some fireworks of your own, catch a few fireflies, eat till you nearly burst, and of course, don’t forget to wear something red, white and blue.

Slán agus beannacht!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

Irish Quotations & Blessings For Memorial Day

May 26, 2013 by Irish American Mom 10 Comments

On Memorial Day we remember those who have died for our freedom. We remember their courage and bravery, their service and sacrifices, and their families and friends who mourn them.

This weekend I say thank you to the many who have paid the ultimate price to uphold the principles upon which this nation was founded. We must never take liberty for granted, but must take time to pause and acknowledge the bravery of America’s finest men and women.

To mark Memorial Day this year I thought I might share some quotations form Irish men and women, together with the patriotic words of an Irish American President.

In Honor Of Our Fallen Heroes….

“Be my epitaph writ on my country’s mind,

‘He served his country and loved his kind’.”

~Thomas Davis (1814-1845)

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal;

Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

~ From An Irish Headstone.

“Peace to each manly soul that sleepeth;

Rest to each faithful eye that weepeth….”

~ Thomas Moore

“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces

but also by the men it honors,

the men it remembers.”

~John F. Kennedy

“Life springs from death:

and from the graves of patriot men and women

spring living nations.”

~ Patrick Pearse

“It is not those who can inflict the most,

but those who can suffer the most who will conquer.”

~ Terence Mac Swiney

“Let every nation know,

whether it wishes us well or ill,

that we shall pay any price,

bear any burden,

meet any hardship,

support any friend,

oppose any foe

to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

~John F. Kennedy

“Liberty without learning is always in peril;

learning without liberty is always in vain.”

~John F. Kennedy

The Bivouac of the Dead — Commemorative Marker at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, Louisville

“The only thing for the triumph of evil

is for good men to do nothing.”

– Edmund Burke (1729 – 1797)

“God willing He’ll keep them

who died fighting in war

God willing their memory

won’t stray from us far.

God willing He’ll bless them

who still fight the good fights

God willing He’ll bring

them safe home to our hearts.”

~ Irish Blessing For Soldiers

“Until we meet again, may God

Hold you in the palm of his hand.”

~ Irish Blessing

Prayers For Those Who Mourn:

“The light of God surround you,

The love of God enfold you,

The power of God protect you,

The presence of God watch over you.”

~ Anonymous

“This day and always,

May God’s strength direct you,

May His power sustain you,

May His wisdom guide you,

And His vision light you.

His ear to your hearing,

His word to your speaking,

His hand to uphold you,

His pathway before you,

His shield to protect you,

And his legions to save you.”

~ Adapted From St. Patrick’s Prayer.

“On that day when the weight deadens on your shoulders

and you stumble, may the clay dance to balance you.

And when the ghost of loss gets into you,

may a flock of colors — indigo, red, green, and azure blue —

come to awaken in you a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays

and the stain of ocean blackens beneath you,

may there come across the waters a path of yellow moonlight

to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,

may the clarity of light be yours,

may the fluency of the ocean be yours,

may the protection of the ancestors be yours,

and so may a slow wind work these words of love around you,

an invisible cloak to mind your life.”

~ John O’Donohue, Anam Chara.

“May you see God’s light on the path ahead

When the road you walk is dark.

May you always hear,

Even in your hour of sorrow,

The gentle singing of the lark.

When times are hard may hardness

Not turn your heart to stone,

And may you always remember

You do not walk alone.”

~ Irish Blessing In Time Of Sorrow

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

“A gois better than a bad and”
Irish saying/prov

Celebrating The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 21, 2013 by Irish American Mom 18 Comments

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. moved the conscience of America, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire this country, and her newest immigrants like me.

Dr. King’s civil rights convictions were based upon a profound belief in the goodness of man and an undying faith in the power of American democracy. .

These truths give his speeches a lasting message, their words spoken with such fervor they will inspire us for generations to come.

This summer my family visited Washington DC. My eight year old son was impressed by the towering statue of his hero. Having learned about the Civil Rights leader at school, the memorial seemed to make history more meaningful for him.

When my children recount their school lessons and talk of King’s achievements, they talk as if these events happened in the ancient past, but truly it was only yesterday. He was born just a few short years before my father, and was shot when I was only three years old. This is recent history.

“Martin Luther King’s dream was the American Dream. His

quest is our quest: the ceaseless striving to live out our true

creed. Our history has been built on such dreams and labors.”

– President Bill Clinton.

I think it is very fitting that President Obama’s inauguration today falls on the day we honor Martin Luther King, Jr. 1997 is the only other year a presidential inauguration coincided with the King holiday.

John Lewis, Congressman for Georgia, worked alongside King during the civil rights struggle. His words ring true when reflecting upon today’s inauguration:

“If it hadn’t been for Martin Luther King Jr.,

there would be no Barack Obama as president.”

– John Lewis, Congressman

And so, as we reflect today, I pray that our President will lead this country inspired by the teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Slán agus beannacht leat!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

A Lesson For My Children From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ten Reasons Why I Love Thanksgiving

November 21, 2012 by Irish American Mom 22 Comments

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is not celebrated in Ireland, so when I arrived on these shores it was all new to me. Ever since I celebrated my first Thanksgiving in Elmira, New York in 1988, I have grown to love and appreciate this holiday.

I love cooking, and what better occasion is there to flex those culinary muscles, without feeling the extra pressures of gift buying, wrapping and decorating. Today, to celebrate this amazing national holiday, I thought I might share my top ten reasons for loving Thanksgiving.

Image Credit

1. A Beautiful Beginning:

The very first Thanksgiving Holiday Proclamation was made by President Abraham Lincoln in 1963 during the Civil War, a time in our nation’s history when few felt truly thankful. His words are inspirational to this day, and sum up the deep meaning of this holiday:

“It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”

– Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863

What a beautiful beginning to our national celebration!

2. Presidential Turkey Pardon:

You have to love a holiday where the President spares a bird a terrible, but delicious fate. John F Kennedy was the first President to grant a turkey its freedom at the White House in 1963, with the first official pardon being bestowed by President George H.W. Bush in 1989. The tradition has survived and thrived and now holds the title of National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation.

Image Credit

3. Togetherness:

Thanksgiving is all about family and friends coming together. The primary focus is enjoying each others company, while sharing a magnificent meal with a grateful heart. When I see my street lined with cars and watch people arriving to welcoming neighbors’ homes, as they balance dishes and tote coolers, I get a lump in my throat. Thanksgiving makes me proud to be an American, where family and friends are the center of the universe.

4. Green Bean Casserole:

Green bean casserole is good, old-fashioned, American cuisine. I first tasted this delectable delight twenty-four years ago, and ever since I look forward to it every Thanksgiving. It’s those crunchy french-fried onions I crave.

5. Guilt-Free Eating:

Thanksgiving is a day to wear a loose dress or an elastic-waisted pants, and forget about calories, fat, and the do’s and dont’s of healthy eating. Permission is granted to pig out, and enjoy every last morsel. Just bring it on!

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6. Leftovers:

I love leftovers, especially turkey and all the trimmings. I never object to a three-peat of turkey dinners, but if I have the time and energy I can always make a turkey curry with apples and raisins, or a turkey and mushroom casserole. The choices are endless, so bring on the leftovers. But remember, if you want to have plenty of leftovers you have to pay the price and host the dinner.

7. Football:

I am not an avid American football fan. I didn’t grow up living and breathing the game, so I don’t appreciate the intricacies and nuances of each play. However, I do appreciate a day, where stretching on the couch with a full belly to watch a great game, is a traditional ritual. My little Green Bay Packer fan already looks forward to Thanksgiving football, and he is only five.

8. Thankfulness:

I looked up the dictionary to find the meaning of thankfulness. It is defined as being conscious of benefit received, well-pleased, glad or expressive of thanks. I believe Americans fulfill all these meanings on Thanksgiving Day.

Image Credit

9. Inclusiveness:

Every American is included no matter their ethnic background, culture or religion. This holiday is for everyone. Perhaps I like it so much because it commemorates how newcomers were first welcomed to this great land by celebrating the harvest with their Native American neighbors. This warm, inviting tradition of inclusiveness continues to this day. As an immigrant to this country, every single Thanksgiving I have been extended a hand of friendship and asked to join an American friend as they feast. Now I welcome others to my home in return.

10. Christmas Is Just Around The Corner:

Thanksgiving is a precursor to Christmas, a welcome reminder of all that is yet to come. I hope this year Thanksgiving will serve as a great reminder to us to act on our gratitude over the coming month and year. I pray these days of plenty may encourage us to do what we can to help those who are not so fortunate.