On the morning of December 7th, 1941, John William Finn was asleep at his home at Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station on Oahu when a neighbor's pounding on his door and the sound of gunfire jolted him awake. The Imperial Japanese Navy had launched a devastating sneak attack without warning or declaration of war, and Finn and 32-year-old Chief Petty Officer and chief aviation ordnance man was about to be among the first to fight back. Born in Compton, California in 1909, Finn had dropped out of … Read More .... about “I Shot at Every Damn Plane I Could See”: John Finn’s One Man Fight at Pearl Harbor
Main Content
Kate Mullany: An Irish Immigrant Who Helped Working Women Organize
Kate Mullany was a nineteen-year-old Irish immigrant when she became the head of her household. Her father had died in 1864, leaving behind a … [Read More...] about Kate Mullany: An Irish Immigrant Who Helped Working Women Organize
Introducing Our Friend, Saint Patrick
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is pleased to share exciting news with our members and friends: the release of Our Friend, Saint Patrick, the … [Read More...] about Introducing Our Friend, Saint Patrick
AOH President’s Day Wreath Laying for Grant and Teddy Roosevelt
In a joint venture with Irish America 250, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to celebrating the Irish role in U.S. history, Hibernians across … [Read More...] about AOH President’s Day Wreath Laying for Grant and Teddy Roosevelt
Beatification Cause Advances for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
The Ancient Order of Hibernians was recently cited in a national Catholic news report as the cause for the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen moves … [Read More...] about Beatification Cause Advances for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
The Chaplain’s Corner
Deputy National Chaplain Update – May 2025
Deputy National Chaplain Fr. Colm Mitchell I imagine by the time this issue of the Digest is sent out, we will be into the Easter season. As … [Read More...] about Deputy National Chaplain Update – May 2025
The Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’: A Reflection for the Ancient Order of Hibernians
The Jubilee Year theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ resonates profoundly with the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). As members of this storied organization, we are called to reflect on our shared history, values, and … [Read More...] about The Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’: A Reflection for the Ancient Order of Hibernians