[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 50 (Friday, March 17, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S4147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, it is interesting to note that St. 
Patrick's Day is a special holiday which is only observed in Ireland 
and the United States. On this day, the color green is traditionally 
worn in both countries, by people from many different nationalities and 
backgrounds.
  Ireland and the United States share many other strong bonds in 
addition to their unique celebrations of this day. There is a deep love 
for individual freedom and liberty today and throughout the history of 
both countries.
  In America's early days, another bond which existed between the two 
lands was a common enemy--the English crown. Americans and Irishmen 
experienced the tyranny of the English king and the oppression of 
British troops. Our forefathers removed the yoke of British rule 
through the Revolutionary War and eliminated the continuing harassment 
by British through the War of 1812.
  In 1798, in Ireland, there was a similar revolt. A group of men 
formed a resistance known as the ``united Irishmen.'' To demonstrate 
allegiance to their cause and to each other, they wore the color green. 
While this band of Irishmen fought valiantly, they were defeated by the 
mighty army commanded by Gen. Charles Cornwallis.
  After Cornwallis' victory over the united Irishmen, the British tried 
to break the Irish spirit by declaring the wearing of green against the 
law. Many songs and poems were written to protest this tyranny. I 
recall parts of a poem entitled ``The Wearin' O' the Green'':

     O Paddy dear, an' did ye hear the news that's goin' round?
     The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish ground!
     No more St. Patrick's Day we'll keep, his colour can't be 
           seen
     For there's a cruel law again the wearin' o' the green.

  It is hard to fathom that just as our forefathers were embarking on 
the greatest experiment in democratic government known to man, and 
enjoying the rights and liberties for which they had fought, men and 
women in Ireland were being imprisoned and even executed for wearing 
green. Wearing of the green was symbolic of their resistance. Many were 
forced to flee their beloved homeland to escape death, imprisonment, 
oppression, and tyranny. They sought freedom in the United States, 
where our freedoms of speech, religion, expression, and assembly were 
secured by the Constitution, and where one of the purposes of 
government was the protection of the individual against government 
tyranny.
  The final stanza of the poem I quoted from earlier, as
   paraphrased, reflects the fleeing Irishmen's dreams:

     But if at last our colour should be torn from Ireland's 
           heart,
     Her sons with shame and sorrow from the dear old isle will 
           part;
     I've heard a whisper of a country that lies beyond the sea,
     Where rich and poor stand equal in the light of freedom's 
           day.
     O Erin, must we leave you, driven by a tyrant's hand?
     Must we ask a mother's blessing from a strange and distant 
           land?
     Where the cruel cross of tyranny shall nevermore be seen
     And where, please God, we'll live and die still wearin' O' 
           the green.

  Although this is an Irish poem, it underscores the love of liberty 
that characterizes America. Because of the bravery, determination, and 
the sacrifice of or forefathers, the United States stands today as a 
citadel of freedom and liberty in a world in which a large part of the 
population is still burdened by totalitarianism and oppression. The 
green we wear today is also to remember them, wherever they might be.
  The Irish have contributed so much to the history of our Nation. They 
have fought in our wars, they have served our communities. They have 
added to our enjoyment through their stories and funloving spirit, 
often giving light to the darkest days. They have become great 
Americans who still cherish and revere their Irish roots and heritage. 
The spiritual descendants of St. Patrick have reminded us of the true 
importance and value of individual rights and liberties, and have 
always been in the forefront of defending the rights and liberties that 
define this Nation.
  So, on this St. Patrick's Day, a day when true peace for the Emerald 
Isle seems to be finally in its grasp, let us remember the Irish 
heritage and those who struggle in the old country for freedom and 
liberty. Let us wear the green and remain forever mindful of all that 
it represents. And let us never forget that above all else, we are 
Americans--Americans strong and free.
  I yield the floor.

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