This Memorial Day the strong Irish presence among Medal of Honor recipients remembered

I'll second Searlit's comment. This is a day to remember those who died in our nation's too many wars. If they could speak to us, they'd likely use the words of Major John McRae's 1915 poem to remind us of what we should be doing with our very costly freedom: "To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high. / If ye break faith with us who die / We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields." McRae was a Canadian army MD.

The U.S. Army is the custodian of all MOH records. Every citation is online and can be called up. Over the years, the stories of why it was awarded have grown more horrible. Marine Dan Daily was like a storm in open battle. On the other hand, Douglas MC Arthur (whom I'm glad to say was NOT Irsh in any way) was handed one by FDR over a whiskey (in the Oval Office). "Fightin' Doug" got his for making the Phillipino people happier (in general).

Bythebay, still very comfortable playing the fool I see. There are Irish finger prints through out American history, Irish labor built the early infrastructure of the U.S., the democratic party and the Catholic church established themselves in large part due to Irish immigrants to the U.S. It should come to no one's surprise there are so many Irish and Irish- Americans who have been awarded the MOH. LT. Michael Murphy, U.S. Navy SEAL, Afghanistan should be mentioned among the other heros. Bythebay- America can get out of any war by just up and leaving and we accept criticism because we know it's the price of taking action. Unlike like many countries in the world who choose to do nothing on the world stage as a matter of policy and never hear an unkind word America is damned if it does and damned if it does not. The price of trying is sometimes failure and always results in criticism- but trying is still the best course of action.

"No this isn't Irish history, it's American history. It's not an Irish presence. Ireland had nothing to do with it." I suggst you read a little histy "Bythebay" before you get on your soapbox, you would sound less silly. How do you say "Ireland has nothing to do with it"? 253 receipients of the Medal Of Honor list their place of birth ar Ireland. Ireland has memorials to Thomas Francis Meagher and the 69th so someone in Ireland thinks the Irish had something "to do with it". Confederate General Alexander observed of the Union Army "Their cavalry is numerous but can't ride and their infantry, except the Irish, can't fight". The history of both countries is deeply entwinded. If it wasn't for the Irish, America would be whistling "Dixie" and if it wasn't for the funding of Irish Americans the Irish would still be singing "God Save the Queen"

I feel sorrow for all those killed or injured in wars on this day.

No this isn't Irish history, it's American history. It's not an Irish presence. Ireland had nothing to do with it.

The US certainly has the market cornered as far as involvment in wars is concerned. And no Ireland feels no patriotism for the US's innumerable wars including those you now can't get out of.

Here is a heartfelt thanks to all who have served from an old vet!

Wars result from people living from their egocentric point of view, thinking they are somehow better than other fellow human beings. Feeling superior leads people to think they can and should impose their will on those they deem less worthy. At the least the teacher you're typing about makes the connection between violence begetting more violence, bogsidebunny. (not funny)

On his visit to Ireland President Kennedy presented the State with the battle flag of the Fighting 69th. It was carried at the Battle of Fredericksburg. It resides in Leinster House Dublin and is held and treated with the up most respect.

Sorry to say the people on the ground, or shall I say the auld sod loath the American "exceptionalism". Of course wanting to and striving to be the best is abhorant to a culture weaned on Marxist Socialism and the handouts it provides. Unfortunately, it does, however, succeed in creating a culture of mindless drones who spout 1984 Orwellian tripe. A teacher being interviewed on RTE radio recently said: "Wars are the direct result of classroom corporal punishment." I laughed so hard Me Barry's tea flew out my nose. The sad part is she really belives the nonsense. God Bless America and a heart felt "THANKS" on the Memorial day to all those who have sacrificed to keep America strong and free. Too bad the feeling here isn't nearly as patriotic.