Fighting for a good cause

By Brian Donohue

The Fighting 69th has always been held in high regard throughout New York City and the wider Irish-American community. It is a unit with strong Irish heritage, with many of its traditions and symbols deriving from a time when the regiment was made entirely of Irish soldiers. The regiment's Civil War era battle cry was "Fágh an Bealach” Gaelic for "Clear the Way."

Its history dates back to 1849, when it was created as the 9th Regiment of the New York State Militia. After the failed Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848, Irish revolutionary activity found a stronghold in New York City and many believed they needed to form an Irish Brigade to free their homeland from British control.

They began to organize independent military companies and in late 1848 and early 1849, the first companies were formed. In the summer of 1849 and continuing until the fall, Irish leaders in New York City began negotiations with the State to form an Irish regiment with the existing and future independent Irish companies. On December 21, 1849 the first Irish Regiment was adopted by the State. This is the officially recognized date of organization for the 69th Regiment.

The regiment has seen combat in a number of conflicts including the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Iraq and Afghanistan. It has also participated in 23 campaigns. The unit is being deployed back to Afghanistan in 2011 for a one year tour.

In 2004 during the unit’s deployment to Iraq a small group of A.O.H. Division 7 members began Friends of The Fighting 69th, in order to support servicemen and women and their families. The organization is involved with various initiatives to help aid the families of those currently overseas and those lost in the line of duty, including a scholarship fund.

Friends of The Fighting 69th will award the first round of annual scholarships commencing with the fall semester of 2010.The Inaugural Scholarship will be named after Chris Engeldrum, a New York City Firefighter who was assigned to Ladder Company 61 in the Bronx, and served with the Fighting 69th in Iraq. Chris was killed in action on November 24, 2004.

The organization holds various events to raise funds for worthy causes including, but not limited to The 69th Infantry Family Support Group, The Fighting 69th Children’s Trusts and The Fighting 69th Memorial Scholarship Fund. They are proud to present a number of great events this March all taking place at the home of the famed 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry - the historic 69th Regiment Armory.

The first event will be held, on Saturday March 13, 2010. The 4th Annual International Corned Beef Challenge, featuring 15-20 of the best pubs in New York, judged by a panel of distinguished food critics from The New York Times, The Food Network, as well as radio host Adrian Flannelly.

A full bar will be available with happy hour from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., $3 beers, $5 drinks.

Sample the best corned beef in the world from dozens of NYC pubs, while seeing incredible performances by The Cunningham Brothers, Seanchai & the Unity Squad, Gael Force, The Screaming Orphans, and Pierce Turner.

Tickets are priced at $24.95; Proceeds will benefit the Fighting 69th Memorial Scholarship Fund and the New York National Guard Family Readiness Council.

For more Information or to buy tickets please visit www.69thfriends.org