From the Presidents Podium

From the

President’s Podium

- January 2006 -

Gentlemen, we end the year of our Lord 2005, and begin the New Year 2006 in fairly good shape. Looking back, we accomplished some of the goals I set for this division, especially in membership. The division continued its climb upward in membership, month after month. We also led the entire St. Louis area in participation of AOH events.

3. Finish the process of titling and licensing of the division trailer by March 17th.

5. The production of AOH Division Mass Cards. We need to accomplish this ASAP as we never know just when they will be needed.

6. The successful production of the Ceremony for commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the 1916 “Easter Uprising” (See the flyer in this newsletter) at Cavalry Cemetery on Sunday April 23, 2006.

7. Putting political pressure on the U.S. government to bring pressure to bear upon the governments of Ireland and England to fully implement ALL aspects of the “Good Friday Agreement” and to bring the Irish situation to a full and complete resolution.

WOW—that’s a full table. I beg for your (ALL OF YOU) assistance in reaching as many of these goals as entirely possible. I can only be as good a president with the support and help of those people with whom I lead.

Membership Dues: The annual membership dues of $30.00 are now due. PLEASE submit as soon as possible. The division needs the operating capital. Steve Tichacek should be at the January meeting to accept your membership renewals.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The parade committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month (see “Calendar of Upcoming Events” section in this newsletter) Word from Jim Sheerin (parade participant director) is that he is looking for more entrees, and those from AOH members would be given preferential consideration!!! So, if there any AOH Members Clans who would like to get in—you still have time. Get you parade application into Jim Sheerin as soon as possible.

Emerald Ball: The Annual AOH Emerald Ball will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2006 at Andre’s Banquet Center. “Irish Person of the Year” award and “Hibernian of the Year” award: Pat Maloney says that the nominations for these awards are slow to come in. Please, if you have someone in mind to nominate for these awards, get them to Pat Maloney just as soon as possible. See the flyer in this newsletter.

St. Louis Ancient Order of Hibernians Remembrance Ceremony: Sunday, April 23, 2006, we shall gather at Cavalry Cemetery and march to the “Republican” section of graves (where the large Celtic Cross is) and we shall have a few speeches and lay a wreath at the base of the Celtic Cross commemorating the 90th anniversary of the “Easter Uprising” of April 24, 1916. Even though this “uprising” failed disastrously, the events and its aftermath led to a movement throughout Ireland that eventually led to the agreement and the formation of the “Free State of Ireland.” Today we know it as the Republic of Ireland. Even though the Republic is still not a whole nation (They still lack the 6 counties in the north), the days of British sponsored sectarian genocide are gone. The days of “loyalists” domination are definitely numbered. But on April 23, we shall gather to remember and honor the memory of people like Michael Collins, and Patrick Pearse, and also the modern times hunger strikers like Bobby Sands and all the others including those who are buried at Cavalry Cemetery. See the flyer in this newsletter.

According to the latest information I have received, the Commodore John Barry Resolution was signed by President Bush on Thursday, December 22, 2005 officially recognizing Commodore Barry as the first flag officer of the United States Navy - 202 years and three months after the Wexford-born Barry passed into the history books.

Many thanks to Congressman Peter King (NY) and Senator Arlen Specter (PA) and their staff and all the cosponsors for making it all happen. Now we can really celebrate the New Year.

The Annual St. Louis Area A.O.H. Christmas Party: If you did not attend our annual AOH Combined Christmas Party on Saturday, December 10th at the Czech Hall, you really missed a great evening! I wish to sincerely thank Dennis Vineyard and his lovely wife, for their help and assistance, as well as Jeff Gonder who provided entertainment. Jeff is totally unreal - an ordinary guy who when he opens his mouth to sing “good Lord” what a wonderful voice comes forth. God has really blessed Jeff with a warm and rich voice. It was a real pleasure to hear him sing. Thank you, Jeff!

Next year’s party will be on Saturday, December 9, 2006 & the fun begins at 6:30 PM. Mark it upon your calendar now so you do not miss out on a most enjoyable evening with your “brother & sister” Hibernians. REMEMBER this Christmas Party is open to your entire immediate family. We sincerely hope to see you there.

That’s it for this month! This is January, so stay warm! Remember also the committee chairmen would love to see your presence at and hear your opinions at the committee meetings of both the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and at the Emerald Ball.