OCTOBER 8, 1971
Land of Peace in
Time of War
It may seem strange that a person would call Ireland a land of peace when everyone is well aware of the war which is tearing the Northern part of that country apart. After my third visit to the tiny island, I still must insist that I have never met a more peaceful group of people than the Irish.
One cannot fully realize the beauty and tranquility of Ireland until they experience it themselves. Nothing is more breathtaking than landing in Shannon Airport at 7 a.m. Vast stretches of green hills and tiny lakes sprawl beneath the plane, and Ireland doesn't seem too small after all.
The mornings in the "Erin Isle" are almost always cold, and we were met with that traditionally famous "Irish mist." It sure was a change from the 90 degree weather we had in Chicago.
Shannon Airport is a modern airport located in County Clare. Mountains can be seen in the distance, with clouds hanging low overhead.
Perhaps Ireland can be best described as a sleepy country. The first thing a stranger must leave behind is his time schedules, for absolutely nobody rushes about or is impatient for anything. Their philosophy is that "Tomorrow is another day."
Life is taken at such a slow pace that one often wonders if the country is moving at all. It took about a week before we adjusted to this much different life style. We were soon planning nothing ahead, and indeed we enjoyed our holidays a lot better this way.
Now, some of you must be wondering exactly what do these people do except loaf around all day? By no means is this true. The Irish people are some of the hardest working people in the world. They just believe in thoroughly enjoying life while they are at it.
One thing the visitor to Ireland will notice quickly is the strong sense of pride which exists in the land, even today. Their pride is the heartbeat of the country. Ireland has been a country which throughout many centuries has been victimized by war. It is only since the turn of the century that the Republic of Ireland has won her freedom from England.
One only has to read a book of Irish history to understand why the people feel the way they do today. Their songs tell the stories of their heroes and their martyrs. Believe me, there isn't a person in Ireland who does not sing. They sing everywhere, anytime. Enthusiasm is as strong today as it was 100 years ago.
The stranger from another land is catered to like a king. It is rather doubtful that a person could starve or not have a place to pass a night if the Irish could help it.
It was definitely the saddest day in my life of 17 years, the day that I had to leave this country that I soon started calling home. I plan on returning to Ireland very soon - perhaps I'll end up there for good some day. Never can tell about these things.
I know we'll pray both night and day
For the happy land of Erin.
No matter for that we're willing to die
So happy and glorious
To have old Ireland once more free
"Old Erin's Freedom"