[caption id="attachment_70276" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="The Friendly Sons from Morris County assembled at Old St. Patrick's Basilica on the day of the presentation."]
The many Irish who served in the ranks of George Washington's revolutionary army are acknowledged in a plaque that now hangs in a setting that is forever linked to the nation's first president.
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County, New Jersey recently presented the plaque to Fraunces Tavern, the oldest surviving building in Manhattan located on Pearl Street at the island's southern tip.
The plaque's home is fitting for it was there, on December 4th, 1783, that Washington bade farewell to his assembled officers.
The plaque itself recognizes the contribution of the soldiers of Irish descent who served with Washington's Continental Army during the harsh winter of 1779-80.
The troops were encamped at Jockey Hollow, just outside Morristown in New Jersey. Washington was headquartered in the town and his troops wintered in the woods west of the town.
They were what was left of his army. Low on supplies and winter clothing the troops scrapped out huts and foraged for food awaiting the next round of engagements with the British.
According to Jack Haren, second vice president of the Friendly Sons, many soldiers within the ranks returned home to care for families but most of the Irish remained within the formations of his winter Army.
In recognition of their steadfastness, Washington designated March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, as an official holiday and allowed the Irish to parade their banners along the Post Road.
"It was an honor and tribute to the homeland of these troops who served so faithfully for the American cause," said Haren.
A delegation of 20 members of the Friendly Sons, along with two pipers, was on hand to make the recent presentation.
