A Saint Patrick's Day message from Ireland: Thank you, America

Thank you Rory. Next time I travel to NY from TN, I'll be sure to see the Irish Hunger Memorial. I had never heard of this memorial. Thanks to Ireland, too, for bringing to America all the wonderful stories, songs, and romance of her culture. I visited Ireland in the '90's and felt so welcomed by the Irish folk. I want to go again soon.

From an American who has some roots in Ireland somewhere lost in time and records...I had a similar emotive moment when I was lucky enought to finally visit Ireland and priveleged to visit Cobh, that port city that was the last bit of Ireland that many saw as they sailed away...I felt the sense of sadness at leaving one's home but also the sense of excitement at what possibilities might be waiting across those seas. I tried to imagine what my great-grandmother might have been feeling at that moment and was filled with a sense of connection to her and to that wonderful island that was her first home. Thank you for this lovely article of gratitude towards the America that she found waiting for her. Truly America has been enriched by the presence of the Irish in a million ways! And this American will always carry a bit of Ireland in my heart.

God Bless All Happy St. Patrick's dayhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7O9OqBd2us

Happy St. Patrick's Day, God Bless All (This is really beautiful) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7O9OqBd2us

And if only this sight had "spell check" America the beautiful and Erin go braugh !

To RORY FITZGERALD: Thank you for a well written article / story. You make me, begrudgingly, put lawyer's in a more positive light. Now if we could just get our President to feel the same way about Amreica as you and I do. Thanks again. Slan

Just amazing the effects that a once slave, named Patrick, has had on the world. Without such a personage the Irish race would be happily/completely incorporated within the neighbouring occupiers framework - and with Queenie as their Pope. Stuck on Patrick's teachings they were stubborn to foreign rule. An America without the Irish would be poorer beyond measure - we are America - not like those who whine and exert undue influence over a seemingly unaware but (always) boastful people. Awake and smell the coffee. Happy Saint Patrick's Day and Thank you, Niall of the Nine Hostages for grabbing one who became our hero.

I live in Connecticut. First time I took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty I cried like a baby. The hope and fears those brave people had. Cried my whole way through Ellis Island as well. The Famine Memorial is so under appreciated. It is absolutely beautiful. If you have not gone to see it DO IT. Happy St. Patricks Day! Katherine

I am one of those American Irish whose ancestors came to escape the famine. Philadelphia became their home, mine is now in South Carolina...still surrounded by signs of Ireland. We, as Americans, cherish our Irish Heritage! Signs of it are everywhere...my sons went to Granard Junior High School and we live near the towns of Gaffney (founded by Michael Gaffney) and Mayo and Chesnee (founded by the Chesney and Cleveland families). We, too, will not attend work today, and will visit family in nearby towns to remember those who have gone before us. THANK YOU to Ireland and all of it's brave and enduring citizens!!

Well said Rory Fitzgerald! Lovely strong article. As an Irishman, I too add my vote of thanks to America. I too wish Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all Irish people, all Irish-Americans, all Irish-whatever-you-are and wherever you are. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Irish Central – ONE YEAR ON FROM IRELAND’S TAOISEACH BRIAN COWEN’S OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF Irish Central. Thanks in every way, have a great day on 17th. Wear the Shamrock proudly, don’t drown it in your sups, dance a jig or two, and May St. Patrick smile on us all from the Mansion above.

Great story, but I think that most Irish immigrants came to the United States years before the Statue of Liberty was erected in the 1880s. I've seen famine monuments in Ireland, and I'd like to see the one in New York City.

The Irish of the nineteenth century were definitely NOT seen as a "hopeless burden on society". Far from it. They were seen as a welcome supply of cheap and much needed labor with strong backs who would do the dirty work of digging canals and subways, laying railroads, building bridges and skyscrapers, and putting out fires. Irish immigrant women were expected to "hire out" to clean and cook for wealthy WASPs and care for their children. There was no welfare, food stamps, free education, free emergency rooms or affirmative action programs for the nineteenth century Irish. America was far from the wealthy and powerful nation it later became. It was sink or swim for these Irish immigrants. And thanks to their sacrifices, the United States of America became the wealthiest and most powerful nation the world has ever seen. (Atleast for now).

The Irish of the nineteenth century were definitely NOT seen as a "hopeless burden on society". Far from it. They were seen as a welcome supply of cheap and much needed labor with strong backs who would do the dirty work of digging canals and subways, laying railroads, building bridges and skyscrapers, and putting out fires. Irish immigrant women were expected to "hire out" to clean and cook for wealthy WASPs and care for their children. There was no welfare, food stamps, free education, free emergency rooms or affirmative action programs for the nineteenth century Irish. America was far from the wealthy and powerful nation it later became. It was sink or swim for these Irish immigrants. And thanks to their sacrifices, the United States of America became the wealthiest and most powerful nation the world has ever seen. (Atleast for now).

Thank you for such an uplifting message.