Conclusion

Around 4.5 million Irish emigrated to America between 1820 and 1930. Many of those that immigrated had children who served in America’s National Army. Emigration from Ireland continued throughout the 20th century until a culmination of US legislation, the Great Depression, and World War II caused a shift of Irish immigrants going elsewhere.

However, there is still a large amount of the American population that are Irish or descendants of Irish-born. Each of the men who were focused on in this exhibit has at least one parent from Ireland. Many still had aunts, uncles, grandparents and, cousins still living in Ireland. While the Irish Americans watched what was happening in their mother country, they continued to show their patriotism for America. There weren’t any letters or other primary sources written by the seven men regarding their position of self-rule in Ireland nor do their parents state their position.

Almost 100 years have passed since the end of World War I. Many of these men and women have been lost to the annals of historical knowledge. Many people can recall the dates and battles but have no idea the stories of the people who made up the fighting force. It is a hope that more Irish American soldiers will be showcased and remembered for their service. Other soldiers need their stories told.

The tracking of the men was made possible by the Connecticut State Library, Ancestry.com, archive.org, and, relatives of several of the men. I would like to thank the staff at Whitney Library in the New Haven Museum,  Pat Heslin of the Ethnic Heritage Center, and Mary Ahearn for their help.