Today We're All Irish

Many GWOT vets have been able to impress a girl back in their small town by remarking how “Guinness just tastes better in Ireland.”

Although this is true enough, they neglect to mention this knowledge came from the exactly 2 beers they were allowed while on layover in Shannon and they didn’t even leave the airport. 

 This was true of me, until I was lucky enough to visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin (among many pubs and bars). Now when I want to impress a girl, I mention how adding a little Guinness to the lamb to your shepherd's pie is simply divine, but I digress. 

 “Today we're all Irish,” is a common phrase to hear on St Patrick’s Day, but what does this truly mean?

 When my grandmother immigrated from Ireland, she probably didn’t imagine how many of her descendants would end up serving in the US military. However, this is not a new occurrence. Irish Americans have been volunteering to serve for generations.

During my travels back to the Emerald Isle, I discovered there are many important national holidays in Ireland. However, St Patrick’s day has become synonymous with Irish culture in the US. This is especially true in the US military, if for no other reason than it encourages you to do two of the military’s favorite activities. 

Spending time among good friends and getting fucking hammered.

In this spirit, raise a glass because today we're all Irish.

“May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door."