“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

- Benjamin Franklin (or at least commonly attributed to him)

Americans all over the country celebrate St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow. The Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick spread Christianity throughout Ireland during the 5th Century. As he battled the Druids for the hearts of the Irish people, he used the shamrock as a symbol of Christianity. He changed Ireland – and, in turn, America – forever.

British Evacuation of Boston, March 17, 1776

The Irish have done much to shape the country. Many were ardent patriots during the Revolution, with eight Irish Americans signing the Declaration of Independence. And since then, 22 Presidents, including Barak Obama, have touted at least some Irish ancestry. In fact, about 12% of Americans reported Irish blood on the 2008 Census. And they celebrate their heritage along with their “honorary Irish” friends each year at parties and parades. One of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the country is held in Boston.

While the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is said to date back to 1737, perhaps its most memorable one was on March 17, 1776 – when the British evacuated.

After the start of the Revolution, tens of thousands of irate American militiamen swarmed from the all over New England to confront General Howe’s British forces. They pinned the 11,000 British soldiers in Boston and Congress sent Washington to the scene. After months of battles, the British were trapped. When Washington finally set up cannons to bombard the city, Howe decided it was time to flee. Along with 1,000 American Loyalists, the British forces paraded through the streets of Boston and onto ships awaiting them in the harbor. When the sailed away to safety in Canada, the overjoyed Americans reclaimed the city.

So while you celebrate the festivities this year, remember our nation’s roots. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day.