By J. Herbert Silverman
 

Coming up on St. Patrick’s Day, one of the more fascinating – and saddest remembrances – is a toast which will be presented at the historic armory, home base in Manhattan of the Fighting 69th, one of America’s oldest "classified" military organizations. Tragically, the regiment now posted to Iraq lost six of its soldiers several weeks ago in combat along with many injured.

These heroic incidents are a reminder of the regiment and its unique "Cup of Valor." As regimental history recalls, while campaigning in Virginia in 1862 at the Head of the Irish Brigade, General Thomas Francis Meagher (who had a certain "reputation" and fondness for Irish whiskey) discovered that he had no Vichy Water to mix with his refreshing beverage. 

He sent an aide to secure some. However, the soldier was only able to find French Champagne "liberated" from a local mansion. Using the Champagne in place of Vichy water, he promptly mixed it with his Irish whiskey and "found it to his liking." From that moment on, he continued to mix his Irish whiskey with two parts Champagne. 

In honor of this gallant Irish-American officer, the 69th Regiment adopted his favorite drink, the Cup of Valor, as its Regimental Cocktail. The drink is served at all regimental functions (and whenever members of the unit gather). Today’s recipe uses Jameson Irish whiskey as a base for the potion and whatever Champagne is easily available.

Incidentally the writer of this paean to the Fighting 69th is a veteran of WWII and a member of the American Legion Post 681, of Conrad, IA.., and the Disabled American Veterans, New York State. Here is an excerpt from a biography scheduled to be published this spring. 

On April 24th, in remembrance, Silverman will thankfully raise a jar of Paddy Irish Whiskey, recalling the evening of that similar date in 1945 when he was offered the last rites of the Catholic Church in the mistaken belief that he wouldn’t live out the night in an army hospital. As Silverman recalls, "They thought my name was Sullivan. But it all turned out to the good more than 60 years ago. I’m still here." Why an Irish whiskey like Jameson? "I feel a strong affection for Erin. I’ve visited the Emerald Isle more than 50 times, written more than 100 articles about its appeal, and besides I like the taste."
 
 

J. Herbert Silverman, a frequent contributor to The Irish American Post, has visited Ireland numerous times. He can be reached at jhsilverman@worldnet.att.net