The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-03-16

ing in the open the green inter- woven with sprigs of shamrock plucked from the soil. Though this act on the part of the Irish people was classified as treason it did not deter the lovers of the green from wearing 1t on St Patricks day. In proof of this may here inscribe ballad the Wearing of the Green sung by the famous actor of that age. Dion Boucicault:
 When the law, will stop the
 blades of grass
 From growing as they grow
 And when the leaves in autumn
 time
 Their verdure dare not show
 Then I will change the color
 now wear in my caubeen;
 But till that day I'll ever cling
 To the wearing of the green"
 The shamrock looms before the Irish gaze not alone as token of worth and admiration but far great CT in the inner heart as being em- b1ematic of that divine mystery the blessed trinity. St Patrick carried the shamrock as an assurance of it's
 
 of truth and christianity throughout the length and breath of Ireland. Ireland has undergone many changes during the past seven cen- turies since the hand of the spoiler reached her shores but never during those years of oppression and per- secution did her Catholic faith crum- b1e.
 Millions of descendants from that little Isle of song are to-day pay ing homage to the shamrock in all known chimes. It helps to inspire the Irish heart with a fervent love for the land of their forefathers-- Ireland.
 Little shamrock, We honor you in this great iand of ours. Your work in the upbuilding and safe keeping of our American nation can't be cast into oblivion. Let me recall the names of Moy1an, Montgomery, others, who shielded our starry flag in those days of turmoil and strife. Those descendants of the shamrock measured steps with Admiral Dewey on Luzon's shore. They climbed the slopes of San Juan with Colonel Roosevelt and under the guidance of General Pershing. to make the world safe for democracy, they filled many soldiers grave in Flanders fields. Binding those historical facts to- gether it's no surprise to the sham rock to find haven of rest under Uncle Sam's starry banner.
 I'll limit my space by dedicating the following poetical lines to the shamrock sent me from Ireland to wear on St Patrick's day. St Patrick's Day is here again to
 cheer the Irish heart With little sprig of shamrock
 plucked fresh from the old dart And holding treasured memories of
 that green Isle. far away, Where Ireland all is Irish each
 blessed St Patrick's Day. When St Patrick first he planted 1t.
 sure nowhere else twas known And he said for future ages 1t
 would be Ireland's own. To suit the sons. of Innisfall he made
 partial stand And he covered every hamlet OCT
 the face of Ireland From ancient Cork to Donegal you'll
 find it on your way, From the Liffey's placid waters to
 far-famed Galway Bay- Or wander by the shannon to the
 banks of sweet Lough Rea You'll find the same green leaflets
 that grow in old Tralee It's in every part of Ireland no mat
 ter where you go
 Amidst the hills of Mourne or the
 glen of Aherloe
 Up in Quilca Mountain or down in
 sweet Adaire This little Irish trefoil is blooming
 just as fair.
 There's no place in Ireland where
 the shamrock can't be seen By sheltered roads or laughing
 brooks or shady boriheen For it's stem is always cradled by
 natures bounteous hand That's why it's lettered by the poets
 the emblem of Ireland All hail little Shamrock praise tc your honored name Your sons to-day are linked with those in many hnlls of fame. For History's page must credit you for many q valiant stand Through years of darkest shadows at home in Ireland. F. ,J. FLAHERTY, se Fairvlew Street.