Good Morning
Today, I stand here as the representative of the Department of the Chesapeake, Sons of veterans of the Civil War and as an American of Irish Heritage. The Irish Brigade, whom we honor today, was a continuation of a proud tradition of Irish manhood's service in the pursuit of justice and freedom. On this blood soaked field of combat these Irish ex-patriots, who so recently had sojourned to the shores of America, followed in the footsteps of those Irish country lads know as the "Wild Geese" who fought on the great battlefields of Europe, such as Fontenoy and Culloden, in hope that victory would lead to Irish Independence. These men knew the oppression of tyranny and saw in the United States a new hope, which was worth risking death to preserve, and so with their green banner proudly unfurled leading the way, they crossed the Rappahannock and marched into immortality upon the ground of Marye's Heights.
In 1792, the man who would later become King Louis XVIII acknowledged the loyalty of his Irish soldiers by presenting them a flag upon which was emblazoned the words "Semper et ubique Fidelis" [Always and everywhere faithful]. Today we can add our tribute to America's heroic sons of Erin by adding our pledge of fealty so beautifully stated in the inscription on this monument, which reads: "To the Sons of Erin, who put God, Country, and Duty before self, we must never forget the sacrifices they made for our freedom. Erin Go Braugh!"
May God bless the souls of these; our honored dead.
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