The AOH Emblem

In the lapel of my tweed jacket, there's a pin of brightest gold, no bigger than my thumbnail, but its worth cannot be told. 'This the emblem of an Order of Irish folk proud of their land, and their glorious religion under the Lord's command. In Friendship we are gathered, we strive for Unity to serve our church and brethren in Christian Charity. We maintain Christ's own teachings, we guard the Irish race, we help the sick and fallen with the aid of God's own grace. Proud to be called Hibernians from Erin's old Latin name, by defending Catholic priests and nuns we earned undying fame. This emblem of our Order, I think is simply grand, its ancient Irish symbols still reminds us of our land. It bears our famous Irish harp upon a shamrock field. The two hands clasped in friendship in the center of this crest remind each AOH man that our brotherhood is blessed. Rising o'er the hills of Ireland in the crest is the sunrise, 'tis the dawn of Irish freedom; 'tis the cause that never dies! The four largest green shamrocks, symbols of the Trinity, remind us of the provinces of Erin's antiquity. Four mighty Irish kingdoms, proud and most beautiful lands, one breaks the heart of Ireland, remaining in Sasanach hands. Yes, shining bright in my lapel, of which I'll proudly tell, is the emblem of the AOH, worn in my heart as well.

- special thanks to Brother Bill Carr for sending along