Growing up in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day meant a day off school and an obligatory visit to church.  A religious holiday named for our patron saint, it is more widely known elsewhere as an occasion to rejoice in all things Irish.  For me, St. Patrick’s Day was a simple celebration of national pride and a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family and friends.  Whether watching the parade as a child on my father’s shoulders or meeting up with school friends as a teenager, it was a day when being Irish meant something special. On March 17^th, our country mattered.

In the evening, the national news would recount the day’s festivities around the world—showing proud Irish celebrations from New York to Sydney and from Shanghai to London.  Our prime minister would meet with the U.S. president and our state dignitaries would be dispersed to commemorate the occasion with world leaders. It was our annual moment in the spotlight.

Having immigrated to the United States ten years ago, I’m constantly asked what St. Patrick’s Day means to me now.  The answer is simply “more.”  Although I’m incredibly proud to call America home, I do not forget where I came from and, in some ways, this time of year is a sobering reminder of what I left behind.  Leaving your homeland, family and friends is not easy, no matter what opportunities await you elsewhere.  It takes guts or perhaps stupidity—depending on your perspective.  In my case, I’d like to think that guts played the larger role.  I knew that in the long run I could build a successful life for myself here—whatever initial challenges I might endure.  Ten years later, I’ve established a great life for myself and I’m now a proud U.S. citizen.  I feel greatly rewarded for the faith I placed in the opportunities America had to offer and in the welcoming nature of the American people.  For me, America is now home.

This St. Patrick’s Day I expect to receive warm wishes from friends here in Michigan and, of course, back in Ireland.  There will be nostalgia for life back in Ireland.  I will wear green.  There will be drink.  However, the celebrations overall for me will be an occasion to remember my childhood, my family and my roots.  March 17^th is indeed still a celebration of all things Irish. However, the other 364 days I make a point of celebrating my life as a proud American.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

 

Author: John Neary