A little Irish town has honored 10 of its citizens who served as U.S. soldiers buried in its tiny graveyard.
The village of Knocknagoshel in Kerry has close links with America and a U.S. Embassy military attache was on hand as the 10 locals who proudly wore the American uniform in different wars were remembered.
A retired major in the U.S. army Rico Stein, who was present, said it was vital to mark the sacrifices of those Irish who fought in American wars. “It’s like a mini-Arlington cemetery here,” he told The Irish Times. “The people buried here have never really been recognized.”
More than 100 people gathered on the hilltop ceremony, which was followed by a mass and the trooping of the colors.
This was the first such commemorative occasion in Ireland, and with the flying of American and Irish flags, Knocknagoshel had “taken its place among the nations of the earth,” local organizer Liam Lynch said. He was referring to a famous banner supporting Charles Stewart Parnell in the 1890s which read, “Arise Knocknagoshel and take your place among the nations of the earth.” The slogan became known worldwide .
Also attending were U.S. defense attache to Ireland, Lieut Col Shawn Purvis, the American Legion veterans’ organization and the Irish Organization Of National Ex-Servicemen/women.
Relatives of the deceased laid U.S. flags on the gravestones and the last post was played as well as an Irish lament.
Father Eoin Mangan, parish priest of Knocknagoshel, at the church service stated that the men being honored had "served with great pride and honor."
After the ceremony local women served over 400 who took part in the ceremonies in a local hall.
The 10 people honored on Saturday were: Denis Browne, U.S. army, Korea, died 1980; Michael Browne, U.S. army, Korea, died 1978; John Moynihan, U.S. army, second World War, died 1993; Thomas Murphy, died 1967; Jeremiah T O’Connor, U.S. army, died 1969; Jack (John) O’Connor, U.S. navy, died 1978; Michael D O’Connor, U.S. army, first World War, died 1979; Philip P O’Connor, U.S. army, first World War, died 1979; Tim (Thady) John O’Connor, U.S. army, first World War, died 1976; and Thomas J. O’Rourke, U.S. air force, Vietnam, died 1985.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.edbutler | Nov 16, 2009, 11:33 PM EST
Reading this story makes me prouder than ever of my Irish roots. My family came from County Mayo in the mid 1800's to America, and many family members since that time have served in the Military. The Irish have fought for America in every War since the Revolutionary war in the 1700's. The Irish Brigade in the Civil War was legendary. I live in Southern Michigan, 25 miles West of an area called the Irish Hills. At St. Joseph's Shrine In the Irish Hills there is a monument and area in memory of the victims of The Great Hunger. A Mass and ceremony is held there every year lest we ever forget their suffering. God Bless the people of Knocknagoshel and those Americans who were there to honor the memory of these dead heroes to whom we owe so much.
Pegger1 | Nov 16, 2009, 11:22 PM EST
I was glad to see that these veterans were buried with honor. It is important to do this and provide newspaper coverage so that others know about this.
JolyJoly | Nov 16, 2009, 10:07 PM EST
America thanks and honors you, too. May your honor dwell within the hearts and minds of all people, may earned glory cover your names, may your heroic efforts be seeds that will bear eventually the fruit of peace.
seabeetom | Nov 16, 2009, 07:22 PM EST
These are my kind of people. Ya gotta LOVE the IRISH.
patconrey | Nov 16, 2009, 05:52 PM EST
Some years ago an IHM nun initiated a project to establish a memorial garden of all Congressional Metal of honor recipients. her idea was to group those honored by State. She ran into an issued because she found that a number of recipients did not have a state but entered the US military directly as immigrants - many from Ireland.
davidparke | Nov 16, 2009, 01:08 PM EST
I am glad that these men were so honored. So many Ireishmen have fought for other countries and never been recognized, Bless them all!
bronxjames | Nov 16, 2009, 11:32 AM EST
I think it's great. I was at the Alamo in San Antonio Tx in 1970-71 when I was in the Army. The plaque inside listed several men from Ireland.
Helen Ferone | Nov 16, 2009, 11:15 AM EST
I think its time to end the wars, and the sadness that goes along with them. Nothing is really ever accomplished, and the countries we try to help have nothing but bitterness for the US except for a few. The children born of this hatred will also grow up to hate us so what's the point? We just keep losing loved ones in countries that don't deserve to be helped or even want to. It's hard enough to stay alive in this day and age so lets keep our loved ones close to us and our hearts.