In addition to the 69th, which played a critical role in that horrible battle, many of the participants of the battle of Gettysburg were Irish. They fought on both sides, proud and willing to do battle and give their lives if necessary for their new country. Some who served at Gettysburg were new immigrants, willing to fight for a country they barely knew. The sons of Ireland have fought in all of America's wars. From Bunker Hill to the Persian Gulf, Irish-Americans have always been among the first to volunteer when the country called.
Similar stories abound.
There are always those who serve willingly, and those who do not, but Irish Americans have traditionally have been among the first to volunteer. The names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington could be names from any American conflict, and they reflect the memory of those who have given all to preserve our freedoms. Veteran's Day has become a holiday more noted for the sales at the mall than honoring veterans. We all might do well on November 11 to pause for a moment and consider its true meaning.