Each year since the early 17^th century, millions of people in Ireland and beyond take a day to remember Maewyn Succat, foremost patron saint of Ireland, otherwise known as “Saint Patrick.”  According to record (such as it is), Succat, born in Britain sometime during the middle-fifth century, was captured in his early youth and taken to Ireland where he became a slave.  He converted to Christianity, eventually escaped to mainland Europe, and found refuge at Marmoutier Abbey in France, where he committed himself to the Christian conversion of Irish pagans.   After a long life proselytizing the faith in Ireland, he eventually passed on March 17^th, 461 A.D.  Interestingly, he was “venerated” but was never actually “canonized” (made a true “Saint”) by a recognized religion, despite his works being celebrated in the Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Almost 1300 years later, during the French and Indian War, a young Colonel took note of the low morale among his predominantly Irish troops and decided to give them some much-needed rest.  Given so many of his troops were Irish, he declared March 17^th a general holiday.  Nearly twenty years later, this Colonel, now a General in the Continental Army, observed the same condition among his men and made a similar declaration – it was their first day off in over two years.

Perhaps the Irish diaspora can thank St. Patrick for their salvation, but we can thank our Brother, General George Washington, for providing Americans the opportunity to enjoy green beer!