Los San Patricos
Technically this is Mexican history, but I figured it would fit here. I just downloaded this song by David Rovics (http://www.davidrovics.com) called Saint Patrick Battalion about a group of soldiers who deserted the American Army during the war against Mexico to fight for the Mexicans. The group was about 40% Irish, the rest being descended from other predominantly Catholic countries, and they were some of Mexico's best soldiers during the war. They are celebrated in Mexico on two seperate days, and those executed for treason by US forces are remembered as martyrs. Here's the Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick%27s_Battalion

and Ironically, because of this most Mexicans are more well versed in Irish history than your average Irish Americans. There are statues all over the place down there and the lore is that, the ones who were executed, were done so more brutally than was ever imagined at the time... Public flayings till death among other things. It was done that way as a warning to both the mexicans and to the american troops who might be considering mutiny.

Iirc they were all executed by hanging.. Others, who were permitted to live, got branded in the face with the letter "D" for "deserter". There's a very good documentary on the San Pantricios which I should have at home. I'll upload it for you fine people when I get home! :wink:

Check out the movie One Man's Hero with Tom Berenger. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120775/ Also, the American-Irish band, The Fenians have a fantastic tune called The San Patricios. http://www.regorecords.com/febaofro.html

"never in the history of mankind was a more unjust war waged by a stronger, against a weaker nation" -Ulysses S. Grant I can't find any moral justification for the war to be honest..

Right, sorry for the delay! Here's the doccie.. Enjoy! http://www.sendspace.com/file/jr99le

thanks you two! I have been curious about this subject for YEARS.

Glad that I could... please you! :lol:

:shock: :? :x :cry:

Check out the movie One Man's Hero with Tom Berenger. Yes, I bought a copy of that movie a few years ago. It is actually a pretty decent movie. We have a lot in common with the mexican people both peoples have suffered heavily at the hands of foriegn oppressors.

check this out, I just read it. It is a fictional account, but it is very well done and well researched and endnoted It is an absolutely excellent book.