Interesting Things to Know
How the Irish saved the War of American Independence
Did you know that during the War, St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated on the orders of General George Washington? Washington also forbade the celebration of Guy Fawkes’ Day among his troops. At the time in England, that was celebrated throughout the country with anti-Catholic demonstrations – but it never became an American custom, thanks to Washington’s sympathy with his Irish troops.
The American War of Independence could not have been won if it were not for the Irish. It is certain that Irish soldiers constituted two-fifths of the Continental Army by the time Washington reached Valley Forge in 1778. That proportion grew as time went on.
Washington’s step-grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, wrote: “Ireland furnished one hundred men to any single man furnished by any other foreign nation.”
At that time, “Irish” meant anybody who sailed from a port in Ireland. According to historians, overall total Irish immigration might have been as high as 500,000 – or roughly one-quarter of the estimated two million population in America at the time of the American War of Independence.
Irish immigration to America reached its peak during the first half of the decade of the 1770s. By 1776, one-quarter of the entire population of North America was Scots or Scots-Irish.
Actually, probably 300,000 of those “Irish” were what today would be called “Scots-Irish,” namely descendants of mostly Presbyterian settlers from Scotland living in Ireland’s northern province of Ulster. Catholics from Ireland had come over earlier because, by 1770 in Ireland, only 5% of the land was owned by Catholics – who were 90% of the population.
The imported Scots had a difficult time in Ireland. First, they were caught in the middle of the Irish wars against England and then the English Civil War. It’s estimated that 100,000 Scots settlers died in the English Civil War – along with more than 500,000 Irish Catholics.
But it didn’t get better. In 1703, Queen Anne signed the Test Act. This decreed that Presbyterian ministers could not legally marry, baptize, or bury anybody. Presbyterians who did not marry in Anglican churches were legally considered fornicators and their children bastards! Presbyterians were not allowed to teach school or serve as officers in the militia – religious restrictions similar to those against Catholics.
In 1718, the first ships of Scots-Irish arrived in Boston to a chilly welcome. One group was led by the Rev. James McGregor, who delivered a farewell sermon before departure. They were fleeing Ireland, he said, “to avoid oppression and to have an opportunity of worshipping God according to the dictates of conscience and the rules of His Inspired Word.” But Boston didn’t want them. Only two years later, Boston passed an ordinance ordering “families arriving from Ireland” to move on. And move on, they did.
Scots and Irish, like the Welsh and Cornish, are Celts – not Anglo-Saxons, like the English. They were not tame city dwellers; they were (and still are!) known as intensely loyal to their clan and more obedient to their chief than to any written law. They are fierce fighters who would die rather than surrender. They became the quintessential American frontiersmen.
William Penn was a Quaker, a man of peace. He didn’t want the fractious fighting Irish in his City of Brotherly Love – but he knew they might be useful elsewhere. There were Indians west of Philadelphia, and Penn thought the Irish would be a good buffer between him and the Indians – so he allowed them to settle west of Philadelphia.
If you drive along the I-81 in Pennsylvania, you will see exits named Letterkenny and Antrim – both towns in Ulster, relics of those first settlements. And if you head south, where do you get? The Shenandoah Valley.
The Western frontier of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania contained the largest Irish populations.
This did not bode well for England — because the Irish and Scots, Catholic and Presbyterian, arrived on these shores with a deep hatred of England and the crown. They didn’t need to be persuaded by Tom Paine and Patrick Henry that the King didn’t have their best interest at heart – they knew it firsthand!
Those stirring tracts were written to convince the original settlers, who considered themselves loyal sons of England, not to trust the King or Parliament. Remember: most of the first English settlers in America thought of themselves as loyal subjects of a benevolent king who ruled by the Divine Right of Kings; those English settlers had to be convinced to break away from England.
The Scots-Irish Presbyterians were ferocious advocates of Independence: King George III, based on information he received from his military reports, denounced the conflict in America as that “Damned Presbyterian War.” He referred to “Those pestiferous Presbyterians [who] are always in unrest and will be until they are wiped out.” Presbyterian ministers were known as the “Black Regiment” because of the black robes they wore when they preached – not only the word of God but also rebellion against the King.
The War of Independence got off to a rocky start. When the first enlistments were up, those New England boys, aka summer soldiers and sunshine patriots, headed back to the farm. The Continental Congress was not very happy with the Scots-Irish army: as English gentlemen, they had inherited contempt for the Scots and the Irish and didn’t think they would be able to fight. So they took their time to send funds.
Early on in the war, George Washington knew he was in trouble – and good leader that he was, he made plans for what if the worst came to the worst.
In November 1776, after the loss of New York and Long Island, he confided to his aide-de-camp Col. Joseph Reed that he might have to withdraw his reeling army first to the Shenandoah Valley, then farther west beyond the Allegheny Mountains to keep the ‘flames of revolution’ alive. He knew the Scots-Irish western frontier would provide “an asylum” for his rebel army.
Washington never needed to escape to our Valley, but it’s good to know that he thought so highly of our loyalty!
But the Irish re-enlisted, and more enlisted. When General Charles Lee was captured in 1778, he told the British that Washington’s army was half-Irish. Joseph Galloway, a member of the Continental Congress who defected to the British, later reported to the House of Commons that the Continental Army was ¼ native-born Americans, ½ Irish, and ¼ English and Scots.
In any case, the Irish were there in time to fight in the war’s major turning points: Trenton in December 1776, Princeton in January 1777, Saratoga in October 1777, Kings Mountain in October 1780, and Cowpens in January 1781.
When the British took Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, SC, 5,500 Continental soldiers surrendered in Charleston on May 12, 1780. English general Henry Clinton announced that “the most violent Rebels are candid enough to allow the game is up” and sailed back to New York to rest on his supposed laurels, leaving his second-in-command Lord Cornwallis in charge.
What Clinton didn’t know was that the Americans had only begun to fight. The great majority of the population of the Carolinas was in the mountains – and they were Scots-Irish, whose fighting skills had only improved with a generation or two of dealing with Indians.
The British thought they would advance on three fronts: the coast, the center, and the mountains. British Major Patrick Ferguson sent a captured prisoner back home across the Blue Ridge Mountains with the message to “desist from their opposition to British arms, or he would “march his army over the mountains, hang their leaders, and lay waste their country with fire and sword.”
Guess again, Major! Those were fighting words to the Celts – and rather than being intimidated, their resolve grew stronger. In the words of one British officer, the Scots-Irish mountain men were “more savage than the Indians.” The Kings Mountain battle in North Carolina defeated the British – Americans annihilated 1,100 Redcoats with only 28 killed and 62 wounded Americans.
That success solidified resistance to the British throughout the South. Six months later, in January 1781, came the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina. The British saw nine-tenths of their force killed or captured there, while the Americans had 12 killed and 60 wounded. In Col. William Thompson’s South Carolina Rangers, the Irish immigrants outnumbered the South Carolina-born men.
On October 19, 1781, Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown.
Washington could not have won the war without his foot soldiers. At least two-thirds and possibly three-fifths or more of them were Irish. So indeed, the Irish saved the American War of Independence.
In the words of George Washington Parke Custis: “Who felt the privations of the camp, the fate of the battle, or the horrors of the prison ship more keenly than the Irish? Washington loved them, for they were the companions of his toils, his perils, his glories, in the deliverance of his country.”
So this year, on Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrate not only Ireland – but also Ireland’s first gift to America: victory in the War of Independence.
Interesting Things to Know
Revving Up: Exploring the World of Motorsports
For those with a need for speed and a love for the roar of an engine, the world of motorsports offers an adrenaline-pumping escape from the everyday. Whether it’s the gritty thrill of off-road ATVing, the high-flying jumps of motocross, or the lightning-fast sprints of drag racing, there’s motorsport out there to get your heart racing and your hands gripping the wheel (or handlebars) with excitement. Here’s a glimpse into motorsports that promise to deliver excitement, challenge, and the sheer joy of high speeds.
ATVing: Imagine powering through rugged landscapes, conquering steep hills, splashing through mud, and navigating tight trails. ATVing brings you closer to nature while offering the thrill of navigating challenging terrains. Opt for a solo adventure on a four-wheeler or share the excitement in a two-seater side-by-side quad. Many outfitters offer rentals and guided tours, making it easy for adventurers of all levels to jump in and enjoy the ride.
Motocross: For those who prefer two wheels to four, motocross offers a dirt-filled, high-octane experience that’s hard to beat. With courses filled with jumps, bumps, and tight turns, motocross riders experience the thrill of flying on land. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking to hone your skills or a newbie eager to learn the ropes, introductory courses led by professionals can offer a safe and exhilarating entry into the world of motocross.
Closed-Circuit Drag Racing: If the straight-line speed gets your pulse racing, closed-circuit drag racing could be your adrenaline fix. This sport allows drivers to unleash the full power of high-performance vehicles in a controlled environment. With options to race your own car or a rental, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of pushing the limits of speed without the worry of oncoming traffic.
Beyond these thrilling options, the motorsports world is vast and varied, with something for every taste and level of experience. From the strategic overtaking maneuvers of go-karting to the snow-covered adventures of snowmobiling and even the splashy fun of power boating, motor sports offer a dynamic range of experiences for thrill-seekers.
So, if the mundane commute has left you yearning for more excitement behind the wheel, consider stepping off the beaten track and into motorsports. It’s an opportunity to experience the thrill of the race, the joy of mastery, and the unparalleled excitement of speed. Fasten your helmet, rev your engines, and get ready to explore the exhilarating world of motorsports!
Interesting Things to Know
Choosing Between Day Camps and Sleepaway Camps: A Guide for Parents
Summer is a fantastic time for children to explore, learn new skills, and make lifelong friends. For many parents, choosing between day camps and sleepaway camps can be challenging. Both options offer unique benefits and opportunities for growth. To help make your decision easier, here’s a closer look at the advantages of each.
Day Camps: Convenience and Comfort
Day camps are popular for parents who prefer their children to be home in the evenings. Here are some benefits to consider:
- Routine Stability: Day camps allow families to maintain their regular daily routines, including meal times, evening activities, and bedtime rituals.
- Proximity to Home: Being close to home means parents can quickly respond if their child needs them, offering peace of mind.
- Cost-Effective: Generally, day camps are less expensive than sleepaway camps, making them a more budget-friendly option for many families.
- Gradual Independence: Day camps provide a gentle introduction to independence, allowing children to experience time away from home in a structured and safe environment.
Sleepaway Camps: Adventure and Independence
Sleepaway camps offer an immersive experience, with children spending several days to weeks away from home. Here are some reasons to consider a sleepaway camp:
- Scenic Locations: Many sleepaway camps are located in beautiful natural settings, offering children unique outdoor experiences and adventures.
- Enhanced Independence: Staying away from home helps children develop self-reliance, adaptability, and social skills in a supportive setting.
- Deepened Friendships: The continuous shared experiences at sleepaway camps can lead to stronger, lasting friendships.
- Personal Growth: The immersive environment encourages children to try new activities, overcome challenges, and discover new interests.
Making the Right Choice
The decision between day camps and sleepaway camps depends on several factors, including your child’s age, maturity level, and readiness for independence. It’s also important to consider your family’s schedule, budget, and preferences. Here are a few tips to guide your decision:
- Talk with Your Child: Include your child in the decision-making process. Discuss their interests and any concerns they might have about attending camp.
- Research Together: Look into different camps together, comparing programs, activities, and the camp’s philosophy to find the best fit.
- Consider a Trial: If your child is new to sleepaway camps but interested in trying one, consider starting with a shorter session to ease the transition.
Whether you choose a day camp or a sleepaway camp, the experience can provide your child with unforgettable memories, new skills, and increased confidence. The key is to select a camp that aligns with your child’s interests and your family’s needs, ensuring a summer filled with fun, learning, and growth.
Interesting Things to Know
Earth Day Focus: The Ubiquitous Threat of Microplastics
As we approach Earth Day on April 22, it’s a poignant time to reflect on an invisible yet pervasive threat to our environment and health: microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, less than five millimeters, have infiltrated every corner of the globe—from the food we eat and the soil that nurtures our crops to the water we drink.
A startling revelation from a study by the University of Newcastle in Australia highlights the scale of our daily intake, estimating that the average person consumes about five grams of plastic every week, the equivalent of eating a credit card. The sources of microplastics are as varied as their impact is widespread. They emerge from the breakdown of larger plastic items and everyday products we might not suspect. Synthetic clothing releases plastic fibers every time they’re washed. Car tires and paint contribute to the problem as they wear down, and certain cosmetics and sunscreens contain microplastics intentionally added during manufacturing.
Our food supply is not spared. Microplastics have been detected in fruits and vegetables, likely absorbed through water by plant roots. They’ve also been found in products like beer, rice, honey, tea, and salt. The ubiquity of microplastics means complete avoidance is impossible—they’ve been discovered in remote locations such as the Arctic snow and desert sands, as well as in the apples hanging from trees.
Despite this dire situation, there are steps individuals can take to mitigate their contribution to the problem. All actionable measures are Reducing plastic container use, opting out of single-use plastic bags, and avoiding plastic packaging materials. Additionally, seeking alternatives to plastic in everyday items like water bottles and shampoo containers can help reduce personal plastic consumption.
The full impact of microplastics on human health remains a subject of ongoing research and speculation within the scientific community. Experts from Rutgers University caution that while definitive conclusions are yet to be drawn, there’s potential for microplastics to interfere with hormones and reproduction. Moreover, these particles may absorb harmful chemicals and toxins, which humans could then ingest.
As Earth Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect our planet, the issue of microplastics serves as a call to action. By making informed choices about our use of plastic and supporting efforts to reduce plastic pollution, we can contribute to a healthier planet and safeguard our own well-being. Let this Earth Day be a turning point in our relationship with plastic, inspiring us to seek solutions that preserve the environment for future generations.
Interesting Things to Know
Embracing Sustainability: Swapping Out the Unrecyclable
As Earth Day approaches, it’s a timely reminder to reflect on our daily choices and their impact on the planet. Despite our best recycling efforts, some commonly used items unfortunately end up in landfills due to their unrecyclable nature. But don’t worry—there are sustainable alternatives that can help reduce our environmental footprint. Let’s explore five everyday items that are challenging to recycle and the eco-friendly swaps that can make a difference.
1. Swap Disposable Coffee Cups for Reusable Ones
The convenience of disposable coffee cups comes at an environmental cost, primarily due to their plastic linings. A simple and effective swap is to use a reusable coffee cup. Materials like stainless steel or bamboo not only keep your drink warm but also contribute to waste reduction. Plus, many cafes reward this green choice with discounts.
2. Choose Toothpaste Tablets Over Traditional Tubes
Toothpaste tubes, with their mix of materials, pose a recycling challenge. An innovative solution is toothpaste tablets, which come in minimal, often recyclable or compostable packaging. Those who prefer the traditional form should seek out brands that use recyclable materials like aluminum tubes.
3. Opt for Compostable Pizza Boxes or Bake at Home
The delightful experience of eating pizza can be dampened by the unrecyclable grease-stained box it comes in. You might consider using a pizza stone to bake delicious pizzas at home to circumvent this. Alternatively, support pizza outlets that use compostable or biodegradable packaging, thus enjoying your meal guilt-free.
4. Replace Paper Straws with Reusable Options
While paper straws represent a step forward from plastic, they’re not a perfect solution due to recycling challenges. Reusable straws made of stainless steel or bamboo are a more sustainable choice, offering durability and repeated use without waste.
5. Invest in Long-lasting Glassware
Common glassware, like drinking and wine glasses, often can’t be recycled with regular glass due to their composition. The key here is to invest in high-quality, durable glassware that won’t need frequent replacing, reducing waste and the demand for new materials.
This Earth Day, let’s commit to these sustainable swaps to honor our planet and lead by example in our communities. Small changes in our daily habits can collectively lead to significant environmental benefits. Let’s make every day Earth Day by choosing alternatives that support a more sustainable and waste-free world.
Interesting Things to Know
The Founding of the Red Cross: From Battlefield Horrors to Global Humanitarian Aid
The Red Cross, a beacon of hope and relief in times of crisis, owes its origins to individuals moved by the atrocities of war to create a better, more compassionate world. Clara Barton, dubbed the “Angel of the Battlefield” for her heroic efforts during the Civil War, played a pivotal role in establishing the American Red Cross. However, Swiss businessman Henry Dunant sparked the initial vision for what would become the International Red Cross after witnessing the harrowing aftermath of a battle in 1859.
The battle, fought between the French and Austrian armies near Solferino, Italy, left nearly 40,000 men dead or wounded, abandoned on the battlefield. Appalled by the sight and lack of care for the wounded, Dunant mobilized the local community to assist. This experience deeply affected him, and upon his return to Switzerland, he spearheaded the formation of a national relief society to aid those injured in wartime. This effort culminated in the creation of the International Red Cross in Geneva in October 1863.
Inspired by the International Red Cross during her travels in Europe, Clara Barton established the American counterpart. On May 21, 1881, she organized the American Association of the Red Cross in Washington, D.C. Under her leadership, the American Red Cross not only assisted in wartime but also extended its services to aid victims of natural disasters.
Since its inception, the American Red Cross has been a fixture in military conflicts, including the Spanish-American War, World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. Red Cross workers were among those who crossed the English Channel on D-Day to support the U.S. Armed Forces, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to aiding those in need, regardless of the circumstances. The American Red Cross has also played a significant role in disaster relief efforts, notably during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Over the years, the International Red Cross has evolved beyond its initial focus on wartime aid to embrace anti-war efforts and political advocacy for peace. Its mission to alleviate human suffering in war and peace has made it a respected and vital international organization.
To find more information or to locate a Red Cross office near you, visit redcross.org and enter your ZIP code. This is a straightforward way to get involved or seek assistance. The Red Cross’s journey from its harrowing beginnings on the battlefield to its current status as a global humanitarian organization is a testament to the enduring power of compassion and collective action.
Interesting Things to Know
Inside the Dark World of Scam Call Centers: A Dual Layer of Victimhood
In a shocking revelation, the United Nations has reported a disturbing trend where hundreds of thousands of individuals, lured by the promise of well-paying, legitimate jobs, find themselves ensnared in a nightmarish reality. Massive scam call centers, primarily located in Myanmar and Cambodia, have become prison-like facilities where workers are held against their will to perpetuate widespread fraud.
The Deception Begins
Organized crime groups, seeking labor to fuel their fraudulent operations, publish fake job advertisements that promise lucrative careers in IT and similar sectors. These ads target job seekers from local regions and as far afield as India and the United States. The allure of these seemingly legitimate opportunities leads many to travel abroad, only to have their passports confiscated upon arrival. They find themselves transported to remote call centers, designed more like fortresses than workplaces, where they are forced to scam unsuspecting individuals under the watchful eyes of armed guards.
The Mechanics of Scamming
Among the prevalent scams orchestrated from these centers is the nefarious “pig butchering” scheme. This scam involves fake identities reaching out to victims, posing as long-lost acquaintances urging them to invest in cryptocurrency. These fraudulent platforms showcase illusory returns, coaxing victims to invest more until the platform—and the profits—disappear without a trace. The FBI has estimated that in 2023 alone, the “pig butchering” scam cheated victims out of more than $2.9 billion.
A Crisis of Human Rights
The scenario unfolding within these scam call centers is a glaring violation of human rights, highlighting a complex web of victimization. Individuals seeking better employment opportunities end up trapped in a cycle of coercion, forced to defraud others to preserve their own safety. This operation’s scale, involving over 200,000 people, underscores a significant challenge in combating international fraud and human trafficking.
The Global Response
Addressing this crisis requires a concerted effort from international law enforcement, cybersecurity experts, and human rights organizations. Awareness and education on recognizing fraudulent job offers can help potential victims avoid these traps. Moreover, strengthening international cooperation to dismantle these criminal networks is crucial in ending the exploitation and ensuring justice for those ensnared by these schemes.
The revelation of scam call centers as dual realms of victimization – where those committing fraud are themselves victims of a larger scam – sheds light on the dark underbelly of global cybercrime. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, compassion, and action in the face of such exploitative practices.
Thank You to our Local Business Participants:
