The Wearing of the Green is upon us once again, and we are as ready as ever to do it in style.

Whatever one’s ethnic heritage, for one day out of the year, March 17, it’s extra cool to be Irish, and everyone is invited to the party.

It goes without saying that our little corner of the world is steeped in Celtic pride, being a haven for generations of immigrants from the Emerald Isle. Our history is inexorably intertwined with that of the many who came and worked hard to build better lives for themselves, while at the same time helping to make our nation one of the mightiest on earth by the sweat of their brows and the poetic nature of their souls.

It might be a good idea to take this into consideration as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. While good fellowship and the hoisting of libations may take the fore, let us be appreciative of the many gifts bestowed upon our own culture by that of another.

This is an important part of what makes America great. That we are the Great Melting Pot. What some may call a Crazy Quilt. Still, that lovely patch of green suits us so well. Especially when we remember how it all came to be.