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Date: 3/7/2023
HOLYOKE – To kick off the start of Irish American Heritage month, community members gathered outside of City Hall on March 1 to raise the Irish flag.
Leading the ceremony was the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division One and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division Two of Hampden and Hampshire Counties. Hibernian President Joe O’Connor presided as master of ceremonies and was joined by fellow speakers Mayor Joshua Garcia and Parade Committee President Karen Casey.
“This month is a time to reflect on Irish heritage, to learn more about it, and to celebrate it,” said O’Connor.
Garcia expressed excitement for the time of year and the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day parade and noted how deep the Irish American history runs in Holyoke.
“The pride of Holyoke Irish Americans reminds us that Holyoke is a city of proud immigrants and proud migrants. The waves of Irish, Polish, French Canadian, Puerto Rican and so many other seekers of a better life, have made Holyoke the vibrant multicultural city that it is, as today’s ceremony demonstrates.” Garcia said. “Holyokers are not divided by history, we are indeed united by it.”
Garcia noted that a connection between those of Irish and Puerto Rican heritage goes back hundreds of years as Irishmen who had been pressed into service in the English Navy had habits of jumping ship in Puerto Rico. This became their new home and gave those Irishmen newfound freedom amongst a different culture than theirs.
Garcia added that during the potato famine of the 1840s, Irish immigrants who were turned away at American ports made their way to Puerto Rico and settled there. To this day, Garcia noted the island celebrates the holiday and has welcomed the culture of the Irish immigrants who called Puerto Rico their new home.
“As we raise the Irish flag this morning we reaffirm our shared experience, our shared hopes for ourselves and our children, and our mutual respect,” Garcia said. “So, although, yes, I am Puerto Rican, I am 100 percent Holyoke. I was raised in the city, and I have many many wonderful memories thanks to you who continue this annual tradition every single year.”
There are over 31.5 million residents who claim Irish ancestry in America. The colors of the symbolic Irish flag represent: green for Roman Catholics and nationalism, orange for the Protestant minority, and the white in between the two colors as hope for lasting peace between the two.
The U.S. Congress designated March as Irish American Heritage Month in 1991 to recognize contributions Irish Americans have made to the country. The Ancient Order of Hibernians was founded in Ireland in 1520; established in New York City in 1836 and 1880 in Holyoke.