When one thinks of celebrating St. Patrick's Day, the first thing that comes to mind is shamrocks and green beer but in our family it is also the day to celebrate family birthdays. My grandmother and younger brother have that honor. Although grandma is gone now we still remember her each time St. Patrick's Day rolls around.

Traditionally when one of us had a birthday we were allowed to choose our meal but alas my poor brother got corned beef and cabbage. No choice here, that was and is what we have with parsley potatoes. Dessert was always a cake adorned with green shamrocks and green writing.

Being raised in St. Louis, we had the chance to watch the citizens of our fair city all become Irish for a day. The streets run green for the St. Patrick's Day parade. The parade route is lined with thousands of spectators with as little green adornment as a pin to the outlandish outfits that are green from head to toe, with feathers and lights twinkling.

Last year was especially exciting as our daughter marched with her Army Reserve unit in the parade. It was an honor to see her honoring her heritage while representing her unit along with her fellow soldiers.

Over the years the St. Patrick's decorations have evolved from simple green shamrocks to hats and green beads, there are even large green drink tumblers with Irish logos for the avid St. Patrick's Day revelers. Party sections of stores scramble to make room for all the party supplies they now stock to make a celebration a true Irish experience.

Being able to celebrate our family heritage has taken on a new importance, as I have gotten older. Passing down the traditional meal and retelling of family history to our younger generation let's me know our heritage will be passed down.

It doesn't bother me that even those who are not Irish celebrate and wear green because I remember stories told when being Irish wasn't a popular nationality. I find it wonderful that for one day all nationalities can get together to celebrate by eating, drinking and being "green silly" as I call it.

One tradition remaining in my family home is the little Leprechaun. This little guy shows up in the weirdest places or at the weirdest times. He even went on a honeymoon with my sister. She swore she wouldn't call my mother on her wedding night but Momma knew better. The call home came just as Momma suspected as the Leprechaun happened to hide in her suitcase.

It is important to keep the Irish heritage going by instilling pride in our children. So again this year we will watch the parade and have corned beef and cabbage while sharing stories while making memories. All the while wearing the color green of our heritage.

Learn more about this author, Dee Cain.
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