Most western European countries with a long Christian history can lay claim to one or more saints of national significance. The French, for example, have St. Joan of Arc as their national saint and heroine. The Irish have always had St. Patrick as their religious national hero: he was the first evangelist of Christianity to the Irish people. The legend of St. Patrick also claims that the saint drove the snakes out of this island nation, which has been serpent-less ever since. He has long played an important role in the conception of Irish identity.

Ireland has had a troubled political and social history, particularly in its relations with England. Since the Middle Ages, Ireland and England have fought for control of the people and property on this smaller island just off the coast of the

So, that explains how and why Irish Americans celebrate St. Patrick's Day... but why does the rest of the U.S. celebrate it as well? I don't have a firm answer for this, but my guess is twofold:

Some topics in this essay:
Patrick's Day, St Patrick's, St Patrick, Roman Catholic, United Irish, Irish America, Famine Ireland, Northern Ireland--to, United Kingdom, patrick's day, Ireland England, st patrick's day, st patrick's, st patrick, saint's day, day celebrated, saint patrick's, saint patrick's day, party day, roman catholic, happy saint patrick's, wear green, celebrate st patrick's, religious affiliation, patrick's day day,