If you look at the history of the Irish coming to America, you'd understand. When they got here, they were treated as bad if not worse than what they had back in Ireland.

Aye, I'm aware of this unfortunate historic attitude, unfortunately there is an element of this still prevalent today, speaking from personal experience. I don't want to elaborate as I feel this may take us into the political realm too much which is to be avoided, afterall the bitter effects of recent Irish history are still palpable for many people in the British Isles. The Irish in America whether from the Catholic or Protestant Communities have a lot to celebrate in their achievements, so I sure you'll all do it in style on the 17th. Slainte.

P.S. How big is Tartan Day over The Pond?