VALLETTA, MALTA – I arrived on this sun-soaked Mediterranean island with dreams of a peaceful escape, a quaint new home amid ancient stone streets and azure waters. Malta seemed perfect—until I stepped off the plane and into a red-hatted hellscape. What I thought would be a serene retreat has turned into a waking nightmare: the Island of Malta has been infested with MAGA people, and I, a proud progressive with a finely tuned case of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), am losing my mind.
It started at the airport. As I wheeled my eco-friendly hemp suitcase through customs, I spotted the first sign of trouble: a burly man in a “Make America Great Again” cap, loudly arguing with a Maltese official about “sovereignty” and “rigged elections.” I assumed he was just a lost tourist, a rare American blowhard who’d wandered too far from Florida. But then I saw another. And another. By the time I reached the taxi stand, I was surrounded—grinning, sunburned men and women in star-spangled T-shirts, clutching Trump 2024 flags and muttering about “Sleepy Joe” and “fake news.” My palms started sweating. My vision blurred. I hadn’t had a TDS flare-up this bad since the 2020 debates.
The cab ride into Valletta was no reprieve. My driver, a grizzled local named Mario, casually mentioned that “the Americans” had been pouring in for months. “They love it here,” he said, chuckling. “Good weather, cheap beer, and they say Malta’s gonna be the new Mar-a-Lago.” I gripped the door handle, fighting the urge to scream. Mar-a-Lago? Here? In a place that’s supposed to be a UNESCO World Heritage site? I envisioned golden hairpieces fluttering in the breeze and golf carts tearing up the cobblestones. My dream of sipping espresso in quiet exile was crumbling.
The streets confirmed my worst fears. Outside a charming café in Mdina, a group of MAGA devotees had set up a makeshift rally, waving signs that read “Malta First!” and “Build the Wall—Around Sicily!” A woman in a sequined Trump visor shouted about “draining the Mediterranean swamp,” while her husband grilled hot dogs on a portable barbecue, the smoke wafting over centuries-old ramparts. Locals seemed unbothered, some even snapping selfies with the invaders. I overheard one Maltese teen say, “They’re loud, but they tip well.” The betrayal stung.
I’d come here to escape the orange-tinted chaos of American politics, to settle in a place untouched by the cult of Trump. Malta was supposed to be my sanctuary—small, sophisticated, safely European. But now, every corner reeks of barbecue sauce and bravado. At a bar in St. Julian’s, I watched in horror as a MAGA-hatted expat tried to teach a bartender how to make “Trump Vodka” cocktails, bragging about how he’d “liberated” the island from “socialist EU overlords.” The bartender just nodded, probably too polite—or too exhausted—to argue.
The real estate agent I met didn’t help. I’d hoped to find a quiet flat overlooking the Grand Harbour, but she casually mentioned that most properties in my price range were now owned by “Trump fans from Texas.” She showed me a listing for a “MAGA-friendly villa” complete with a “patriot pool” and a flagpole “perfect for flying the Stars and Stripes—or the Trump 2024 banner.” I nearly fainted. When I asked if there were any neighborhoods free of this plague, she shrugged and said, “They’re everywhere, love. Even the nuns are starting to wear the hats.”
I can’t take it. The sound of “Sweet Caroline” blaring from a MAGA beach party in Sliema haunts my dreams. The sight of a pickup truck—yes, a pickup truck, on an island with roads barely wide enough for a donkey—sporting a “Let’s Go Brandon” bumper sticker has pushed me to the edge. I came here to heal from years of Trump-induced anxiety, but instead, I’ve landed in a dystopian extension of red-state America. Malta, my would-be paradise, is lost.
I’m booking a flight out tomorrow. Maybe Iceland will be safe. Surely the MAGA hordes haven’t conquered the glaciers yet—or have they? With my luck, I’ll land in Reykjavik and find a Viking in a red hat, ready to tell me how Trump “saved the whales” from “radical leftists.” For now, I’m barricaded in my hotel room, clutching my passport and praying for deliverance from this MAGA-infested nightmare. Malta, I hardly knew ye.
December 7th, 1941 5:50 AM 275 miles North of Pearl Harbor at Lattidude 26 Deg North, Longtitude 158 Deg West six Japanese aircraft carriers along with 24 supporting vessels began to launch 353 war planes in sneak attack on the United States Pacific Naval Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor Hawaii. At 7:53AM the first wave of attacks began. Commander Mitsuo Fuchida ordered Petty Officer 1st Class Norinobu Mizuki to send the code words “Tora! Tora! Tora!” (an acronym from the words “Tosugeki Raigeki” meaning “Assault stroke”. Tora, as a word, also means Tiger, which attacks in a lightning manner.) back to the carrier Akagi, the flagship of 1st Air Fleet. The message meant that complete surprise had been achieved. At 8:55AM a second wave of attacks began.
By 9:55AM the attack was over and the United States had suffered the loss of 2403 serviceman, 20 ships had been damaged, sunk or capsized and 188 war planes destroyed. By 1:00PM all but 29 Japanese planes were back on deck of their carriers. Fortunately for the U.S., its carriers were out to sea for training exercises and were not damaged. The Japanese war planes also failed to hit the U.S. Navy’s fuel depot, leaving plenty of fuel for what was left of the U.S. Pacific fleet to engage in the impending war.
Pearl Harbor Dec. 7 1941 from Japanese warplane
Ships Damaged or Destroyed in the Attack
USS Arizona
Sunk
USS West Virginia
Sunk
USS California
Sunk
USS Oglala
Sunk
USS Utah
Capsized
USS Oklahoma
Capsized
USS Raleigh
Heavy damage
USS Nevada
Heavy damage
USS Vestal
Heavy damage
USS Pennsylvania
Heavy damage
USS Downes
Heavy damage
USS Shaw
Heavy damage
USS Cassin
Heavy damage
USS Tennessee
Heavy damage
USS Helena
Heavy damage
USS Curtis
Moderate damage
USS Detroit
Slight damage
USS Tangier
Slight damage
USS Medusa
Slight damage
USS Maryland
Slight damage
Events Leading Up to That Day
By 1941 most of the rest of world had already been at war. Great Britain and the U.S.S.R were at war with Germany and Italy, Japan was at war with China. The United States had been trying to stay neutral as it had become quite self-sufficient by this time and after fighting in WWI, its citizens had become isolationist. But the U.S. was already involved behind the scenes by providing war materials, foodstuff and clothing to Great Britain, the U.S.S.R and China. By November 1941, congress had appropriated funds amounting to nearly $13 billion for this purpose $230 billion in today’s money.
This “Lend-Lease” program as it was called, was straining relations between the United Stated and Japan. The two countries had been operating under a tenuous trade agreement for more than eighty years. In July 1941 Japan had moved against the Dutch East Indies for its oil and rubber supplies. In response, President Franklin Roosevelt seized all Japanese assets in the United States. The United States, Britain, France and the Netherlands placed a trade embargo on Japan to try to stop its hostilities. Japan, an Island nation, had limited resources of its own and lost three-fourths of its overseas trade and nearly 90% of its imported oil overnight.
Japan Plans for War
The emperor of Japan Hirohito was not initially in favor of war with the United States, neither was the Japanese Navy. Even the emperor’s brother, Prince Takamatsu, who was an officer in the navy, counseled against it. He told the emperor that victory was by no means certain, despite assurances to the contrary. The Japanese army was determined to go to war however. General Hideki Tojo had become prime minister in October after his predecessor resigned rather than be a part of the folly of going to war with the U.S.
Tojo convinced the emperor that a preemptive strike against the United States’ Pacific fleet would put it out of commission for at least six months, allowing Japan enough time to grab up British, Dutch and American territories for raw materials needed for their war efforts. Japan could then sue for peace from a position of strength. The emperor reluctantly agreed.
The sneak attack was scheduled for December 7th. There are conflicting historical reports that Japan had planned to declare war, or actually did declare war on the United States before the attack, but the messages were misinterpreted or mishandled. Japans official declaration of war was published 7.5 hours after the beginning of the Pearl Harbor attack. In any case, there was no prior notice given to the U.S. that Japan was going to attack.
Roosevelt Declares War on Japan
Pres. Roosevelt Addresses Congress Dec. 8th 1941
On December 8th, 1941, President Roosevelt Declared war on Japan in a famous address to congress:
Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation.
As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
But always will our whole Nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces- with the unbounding determination of our people- we will gain the inevitable triumph- so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
President Roosevelt’s Proposed Message to Congress
On Aug. 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Every year, remembrance events are held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, culminating in a commemoration ceremony on Dec. 7. The American flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset to honor those who died as a result of the attack on U.S. military forces in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor Remembrance day is not a Federal holiday, government offices, schools and businesses do not close.
Thanksgiving is the day in November most of us in the United States think of a where we tear into our turkey and stuffing and then go into a tryptophan-induced couch-coma as the traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade plays on our televisions. Some dread this day as the one time a year where they have to face their family members of an opposite political party and attempt to avoid sensitive subjects that could lead to arguments. But, sometimes it good to stop and remember why we have traditions and appreciate the abundance we enjoy in our country.
History of Thanksgiving
Our story of Thanksgiving actually begins in England around 1606 with the Puritans, a Christian group that separated from the Church of England. At that time England had established by law that everyone was required to belong to the Church of England. The Puritans believed the church should be separate from government control and under Christ’s Lordship only. This belief gave rise to the name: Separatists.
William Bradford, who was raised by relatives near Scrooby, a village in North Nottinghamshire, England, was drawn to a congregation of Puritan Separatists there, led by William Brewster and John Robinson. The Motto of the Scrooby congregation was “Reform ourselves without tarrying for any.” The Scrooby congregation just wanted to live in peace, obeying the teachings of the Scriptures. However, the newly crowned King James I, would not tolerate religious liberty. Some Separatists were maimed or burned at the stake and in 1607 the men of the Scrooby Congregation were imprisoned for eight months. The “Pilgrims” as they had become known, fled England for Holland in 1608 to escape persecution. There they lived in relative peace for twelve years in the walled city of Leiden. As time progressed however, they found it difficult to find work and they felt their children were being corrupted by moral laxity in the Dutch culture. So John Robinson, the Pilgrims’ minister since the early years in Scrooby, and his congregation decided it was time to emigrate.
The Scrooby congregation spent three years in England negotiating to obtain permission to settle in the northern parts of the Colony of Virginia which extended north of the Hudson River at that time. They also negotiated with a group of financial backers in London known as the Merchant Adventurers. Robert Cushman and John Carver had made the final arrangements for the journey by July 1620. However, most of the congregation, including its leader pastor John Robinson were forced to stay behind as the King feared Robinson’s effect on distant America and would not permit him to go. The congregation sent thirty-eight of its most trusted leaders including William Brewster, William Bradford and John Carver to the New World. They departed Deftshaven on a ship they had chartered called the Speedwell. The Speedwell was supposed to meet up with the Mayflower off the coast of England, where both ships would depart for northern Virginia. However, the Speedwell proved to be too structurally unsound to make the voyage and the passengers transferred to the Mayflower where conditions were now very cramped.
Departing from Plymouth, England in August 1620, they endured a treacherous sixty-six-day journey across the Atlantic and landed in what is now known as Plymouth, Massachusetts, far north of their intended charter. Since they were out of the territory of the king’s charter, they feared mutiny. So the men of the Mayflower gathered in the captain’s cabin on November 11, 1620 to sign a covenant with each other to form a new government. This document, now called the Mayflower Compact, is America’s first great constitutional document.
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. IN WITNESS whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape-Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Domini; 1620.
Mr. John Carver, Mr. William Bradford, Mr Edward Winslow,
Mr. William Brewster. Isaac Allerton, Myles Standish,
John Alden, John Turner, Francis Eaton,
James Chilton, John Craxton, John Billington,
Joses Fletcher, John Goodman, Mr. Samuel Fuller,
Mr. Christopher Martin, Mr. William Mullins, Mr. William White,
Mr. Richard Warren, John Howland, Mr. Steven Hopkins,
Digery Priest, Thomas Williams, Gilbert Winslow,
Edmund Margesson, Peter Brown, Richard Britteridge
George Soule, Edward Tilly, John Tilly,
Francis Cooke, Thomas Rogers, Thomas Tinker,
John Ridgdale Edward Fuller, Richard Clark,
Richard Gardiner, Mr. John Allerton, Thomas English,
Edward Doten, Edward Liester.
They Tried Socialism (Spoiler alert, it didn’t work back then either)
Within the first four months of arrival in the New World, the Pilgrims lost 47 of the 102 settlers due to cold and disease. Many of the women did not survive because they gave their coverings and food to their children. Under the rule of the merchant adventurers who funded their venture, they were mandated to communal farming and labor (socialism), which led to two years of near starvation. William Bradford, who had become governor by this time, was forced to cancel the contracts, and go to free enterprise allowing each family to farm their own land. Their productivity increased tremendously as a result.
In Bradford’s own words:
The failure of this experiment of communal service, which was tried for several years, and by good and honest men proves the emptiness of the theory of Plato and other ancients, applauded by some of latter times, – that taking away private property, and the possession of it in community, by a commonwealth, would make a state happy and flourishing; as if they were wiser than God. For in this instance, community of property (so far as it went) was found to breed much confusion and discontent, and retard much employment which would have been to the general benefit and comfort.
If you want to know why liberal college professors hate the story of Thanksgiving so much, this is the reason; because it proves socialism doesn’t work. It has little to do with their concern for the natives (Indians as they were called back then). In fact most of the early colonies were wiped out by native tribes, not the other way around. The Mayflower pilgrims were one of the few colonies that survived thanks to a Christian native named Squanto of the Pawtuxet tribe who spoke fluent English. He joined the colonists, taught them how to farm and helped them survive.
sign of rain to be seen: yet toward evening it began to overcast, and shortly after to rain with such sweet and gentle showers as gave them cause of rejoicing and blessing God. It came without either wind or thunder or any violence, and by degrees in that abundance as that the earth was thoroughly wet and soaked therewith. Which did so apparently revive and quicken the decayed corn and other fruits, as was wonderful to see, and made the Indians astonished to behold… For which mercy, in time convenient, they also set apart a day of thanksgiving.
This was the foundation for America’s Thanksgiving tradition which has survived to this day. William Bradford recorded that from that day, they never again experienced famine or drought.
Thanksgiving Becomes a Legal Holiday
President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday on October 3, 1863 in gratitude for an important Union Army Victory at Gettysburg. He announced that the nation will celebrate an official Thanksgiving holiday on November 26, 1863. The speech he gave, which was written by Secretary of State William Seward, declared the fourth Thursday of every November thereafter would be considered and official U.S. holiday.
November 11th of each year is the day we in the United States honor all our veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces that were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
The United States Armed Forces include six service branches:
Veterans Day had its roots in World War One (WWI). On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany. November 11, 1918 became known as the end of the “War to End All Wars” as President Woodrow Wilson called it. The following year President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. He issued a message to all Americans on the first Armistice Day:
ADDRESS TO FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN
The White House, November 11, 1919.
A year ago today our enemies laid down their arms in accordance with an armistice which rendered them impotent to renew hostilities, and gave to the world an assured opportunity to reconstruct its shattered order and to work out in peace a new and juster set of international relations. The soldiers and people of the European Allies had fought and endured for more than four years to uphold the barrier of civilization against the aggressions of armed force. We ourselves had been in the conflict something more than a year and a half.
With splendid forgetfulness of mere personal concerns, we remodeled our industries, concentrated our financial resources, increased our agricultural output, and assembled a great army, so that at the last our power was a decisive factor in the victory. We were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe who had suffered and sacrificed without limit in the cause for which we fought.
Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.
To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.
WOODROW WILSON
Concept
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.
It was Made a Legal Holiday Much Later
Armistice Day wasn’t made a legal holiday until much later. On May 13, 1938 an Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) an act was approved which made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.”
Was Changed To “Veterans Day” After WWII and the Korean War
President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in the Nation’s history and American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.”
With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars., made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Veterans Day.”
On October 8th of the same year, President Eisenhower proclamation 3071 which called on all citizens to observe Thursday November 11th, 1954 as “Veterans Day” and designated the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee :
“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”
It Wasn’t Always on November 11th
On June 28, 1968, The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed into law. It was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971.The commemoration of this day was not well accepted by a great number of citizens so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veteran service organizations and the American people.
Today Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11th, regardless of which day of the week it happens to fall on. This preserves the historical significance of the day and helps keep our focus on what the day is all about, which to celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their service to our country.
A Few Ways to Thank a Veteran
Fly your flag
Volunteer at a Veteran’s organization
Send a thank you note to someone who is a veteran
Change your Facebook profile picture to feature your favorite veteran
Visit the veterans at your local nursing home
Be a good citizen and make your life worth the sacrifice others have paid for your freedoms
St. Patrick’s day is a national holiday in Ireland and a widely celebrated day in the United States, if for no other reason than being a good excuse for Americans to leave work early and drink green beer.
Who was St. Patrick?
But who was St. Patrick and why do we celebrate his special day? St. Patrick was a fifth-century Romano-British missionary and bishop in Ireland known as the “Apostle of Ireland”. Although he was never formally canonized, he is considered the primary patron saint of Ireland.
According to Patrick’s autobiography called “Confessio of Patrick”, he was captured by Irish pirates at the age of sixteen from his home in Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland where he was a shepherd. After living in Ireland for six years, he heard a voice telling him that he would soon go home and that his ship was ready. He then fled to a port two hundred miles away where he found a ship and was able to persuade the captain to allow him to board. After returning to Britain, Patrick studied Christianity, was ordained as a priest and, returned to Ireland as a Christian Missionary.
Why is St. Patrick’s day on March 17th?
Although no one knows for sure the exact dates of Patrick’s birth and death, March 17th is the supposed date of his death and is the day we celebrate inside and outside Ireland as a cultural and religious holiday.
What do Shamrocks have to do with it?
Irish legend says that St. Patrick used the three-leaf clover, which is the unofficial national flower of Ireland, as an educational symbol to explain the Holy Trinity to nonbelievers as he converted the Irish to Christianity in the fourth century.
Why green beer?
Although the Irish have a tradition of dropping clovers into drinks for good luck, (known as “drowning the shamrock”) drinking green beer on St. Patrick’s day is a uniquely American tradition invented in 1914 by Irish American Dr. Thomas Hayes and unveiled at a Bronx social club.
1 Cup Honey 1 tsp. Cinnamon ½ tsp. Ground Cloves ½ tsp. Nutmeg 1 Cup Seedless Raisins ½ Cup Currants ½ Cup Chopped Dates 1 Cup Chopped Walnuts 4 Cups Sifted Flour 2 tsp. Baking Soda 1 tsp. Baking Powder ¼ tbsp. Salt 3 tbsp. Butter 1 Cup Brown Sugar 4 Eggs, Separated
Pan – Mix the honey with the spices in a pan and bring to a boil and cool Bowl 1 – Combine the fruits and nuts, sprinkle with 2 tbsp. of the flour and mix well Bowl 2 – Sift the remaining flour, with the baking soda, baking powder and salt. Bowl 3 – Cream the butter and sugar together Add in the egg yolks one at a time beating well after each yolk Stir in the lukewarm honey mixture Stir in the flour mixture from Bowl 2 Stir in fruit-nut mix
Beat mixture until stiff Grease a baking pan, spoon in the batter Bake at 300deg. F for about 2 hours or until well done Allow bread to stand for a few days before serving
Nut Filling 4 Egg Whites 1 Cup Sugar 3 Cups Ground Nuts Cinnamon Vanilla Beat egg whites Add ground nuts Add cinnamon and vanilla to your taste
Dough 4 Cups Flour 1/2 Cup Sugar 4 Egg Yolks 1 tsp. Salt 1 Cup Melted Butter 1/2 Cake Yeast Large 1 Cup Warm Milk
Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar, set aside. Mix flour, sugar and salt. Add cooled butter then milk-yeast mixture Add egg yolks and mix with hands until hands are clean Place in refrigerator overnight Remove from refrigerator and to warm up to room temperature 1 hour Roll dough and spread nut filling on top Roll the dough up and let rise for 1 hour Bake at 350 deg. F for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown
The rite of passage for fatherhood is telling a good dad joke. If you’re not a dad and you’re telling dad jokes, you’re just a faux pa! Here’s a list of 70 of the best dad jokes ever.
A Lumberjack once told me he’s cut down exactly 22,639 trees. “How do you know exactly how many?” I asked, He said “I keep a log”
Can February March? No, but April May!
Dad, can you put my shoes on? No, I don’t think they’ll fit me.
Dad, can you put the cat out? I didn’t know it was on fire.
Dad, did you get a haircut? No, I got them all cut!
Did I tell you the time I fell in love during a backflip? I was heels over head!
Did you hear about the circus fire? It was in tents.
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