The History of The Irish...Worldwide
Freedom From Fear
To my new found homeland: “The man that hates you, hates the world!”
I agree with Brendan. I was forced to leave Ireland for economic, religious and political reasons and where else would or could I go? There was only one place that would accept me and welcome me as one of their own. Like Brendan Behan and his namesake predecessor, Saint Brendan the navigator, I too followed the long line of roving Irishmen and came to America. My journey was made much more comfortable, courtesy of Aer Lingus, our national airline.
As I waited for a taxi outside the international terminal at JFK airport and with the warm summer sun caressing my face, I was in a dreamlike state. Northern Ireland and the savage war which had raged there for thirty years were consigned to that other world I had now left behind. Almost immediately I sensed something profound had taken place. In that instant I was different. I felt lighter somehow and totally free. I was astonished when I realized that the deep-rooted monster, fear, was gone. I stood there unafraid for the first time in thirty years.
Now, in America, my sanctuary, there would be no more running scared. No more armed soldiers stopping and searching me. No more house raids in the wee hours of the morning. No more beatings with rifle butts and arrests. No more gun clicks. No more being dangled from helicopters. No more coercion to become an informer. No more hunger strikes. No more attending funerals of young men and women, pacifists turned into reluctant soldiers. No more fear.
That is what America gave to me … freedom from fear.
So, to the armies of naysayers, the legions of doubters and the countless ingrates I say ...
Take the ferry ride to Liberty Island, walk to the feet of the lady with the torch, get down on your knees and read those treasured words inscribed on the plaque — digest them thoroughly and when you have done that, go out into the world and live them.
"Give me your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"From "The Journey: A Nomad Reflects."
For Sale at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692500944/ref=rdr_ext_tmb
Also for Sale:
Don’t Die with Regrets: Ireland and the Lessons my Father Taught Me.
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Comment by Bit Devine on August 29, 2014 at 11:06am
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I recall the phone calls...weekly....that came from family still in Crossmaglen, Newry and the surrounding townlands... I was a young child...so many thousands of miles away from the hate, fear, danger here in Arizona...and yet so close.... as it all came zinging down through a telephone wire
I remember my Gran's sad expression...and the angry scowl on my father's face as he tried to defend or deny what he was hearing... The heated talks in a language foreign and familiar all at once... and the checks written and mailed ...for funerals...rebuilding... hope...
The eyes of a child see more than you realize... the ears of a child hear more than they should... but all of that shaped me... down through the telephone wire
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Comment by John Anthony Brennan on August 29, 2014 at 11:15am
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But we survived.................
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Comment by Geraldine Callaghan on August 30, 2014 at 6:07am
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Good story John Anthony Brennan. I arrived 51 years ago in the US. It has been a wonderful experience. I feel grateful and proud of my adopted country.
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Thank you Geraldine. After Ireland the US is the best country in the world.
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John I didn't have your experiences when I lived in Ireland. I'm thinking you are referring to the 70's era! I was very much aware of what was happening as I had family in Derry. I visited Derry, Belfast and other areas last September, much has changed, for the better, thankfully, though there are residual reminders. "Old habits die hard"
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Yes I was referring to the 70's Geraldine. While it is true that a lot has changed for the good there's much left to do to ensure it never repeats.
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