Ireland Savings Extended!

fter the most brutal winter yet on record, General George Washington launched his 1780 spring campaign with a morale–raising holiday for his troops—the first official observance of Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States Army. He penned the following order, recognizing both Ireland’s struggles for freedom an ocean away, and the deep investment much of his army had in their outcome:

“The general congratulates the army on the very interesting proceedings of the parliament of Ireland and the inhabitants of that country which have been lately communicated; not only as they appear calculated to remove those heavy and tyrannical oppressions on their trade but to restore to a brave and generous people their ancient rights and freedom and by their operations to promote the cause of America. Desirous of impressing upon the minds of the army, transactions so important in their nature, the general directs that all fatigue and working parties cease for tomorrow the seventeenth, a day held in particular regard by the people of the nation.”

The face of the Continental Army had changed drastically since the early days of the war; more and more, Irish Presbyterians replaced those initial militia volunteers of English descent. Irishmen, although considered less socially desirable at the time, readily volunteered for active duty in Washington’s army, and there they proved to be warriors with a tenacity unparalleled by any other, imbued with a fighting spirit handed down generation after generation.

Ireland’s own fight for freedom from British occupation would continue for over another hundred years after our own, despite repeated rebellions and the sympathetic influence of George Washington during his presidency. Lasting 700 years in total, Ireland’s fight for sovereignty and cultural integrity was only recently rewarded with her long-sought Republican government in 1921, a victory that is now under threat more than ever.

Landmark Events will be going to Ireland this August. There, amongst her warm people and stunning landscapes, we will discover the mutual culture and heritage our nations share, and be encouraged by one land’s example of how God can keep alive in our hearts the desire for freedom despite centuries of betrayal, slavery and false saviors. Most Americans claim to be “a little Irish”—at least on “Saint Paddy’s Day”—and it’s likely many of us actually are. If you find you have that burning spark inside you for freedom and family, maybe it’s time you joined us back where the Irish claim it all began.

In the spirit of George Washington, we are extending Early Bird Rates through March 31, saving $150 per person!