Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!

As people across the nation and around the world don green clothing and accessories, prepare green or Irish-style food, speak in their best Irish accent, and wish each other a "Happy St. Paddy's Day!", we also remember the days when the Irish were not only not welcome in regular establishments but were also publicly ridiculed in newspapers, the public forum, and even through elected officials.  The Irish had a rough time entering American society.  The Great Irish Potato Famine of the late 1840s sent many countrymen searching for a better life.  That life was sought after in the United States.  They boarded ships with family and what little they could carry and made the long, arduous journey across the Atlantic Ocean in hopes of food, shelter, and freedom from English rule.  Does any of this sound familiar?  Instead, many were met with scorn, distaste, and villainy.  For a very well-done article on this topic, please visit The History Place.
There is some debate as to the reason there were black soldiers fighting for the Confederacy.  The main accusation being that they were forced to fight.  But to ignore the plight of the Irish immigrating here is not only unfair but also a prejudicial view of our nation's history.  In fact, local newspapers in Ireland published articles about the illicit actions of Federal agents.  They were accused of coming to Ireland and encouraging Irish men to travel to America under the guise of promised work.  Once there, they were tricked into debt and told the only way out was to enlist in the Federal army.  To view one such article, visit Irish Times.
Another great site to visit is Irish in the American War.
We have come a long way from the scorn and ridicule of an Irishman's dress, brogue, and traditions to celebrating the very same!
An Irish blessing: 

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Go gcastar ar a chéile muid arís!