Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Memorial

AOH History

In 1985, under the leadership of AOH National President Joe Roche, an obelisk of Wicklow granite was erected in the Grove to honor all Medal of Honor recipients who had not previously been recognized because they lacked a designated home state. Engraved on the AOH Obelisk are the names of 160 foreign-born recipients from at least 18 countries who could not be accredited to any U.S. state due to the absence of American citizenship. Among them, 65 are credited with Irish birth. Thanks to the efforts of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, these courageous men—regardless of their country of origin—are now permanently honored for their valor and sacrifice.

  • Australia
  • Birthplace Unknown
  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • England

  • France
  • Germany
  • Holland
  • Ireland
  • Japan

  • Malta
  • Norway
  • Philippines
  • Russia
  • Scotland

  • South Wales
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • West Indies

How the Ancient Order of Hibernians Got Involved in the Medal of Honor Grove

The Ancient Order of Hibernians’ (AOH) involvement with the Medal of Honor Grove began with the remarkable efforts of Sister Maria Veronica, a retired teacher and member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Upon retiring to Camilla Hall, Sister Veronica devoted herself to extensive military research, specifically focusing on every recipient of the Medal of Honor in our nation’s history.

Through her work, she discovered that a number of Medal of Honor recipients could not be accredited to any U.S. state or territory. Many of these individuals had been born in Ireland and never had the opportunity to become American citizens. Determined to see their sacrifice recognized, Sister Veronica shared her findings with her close friend, the late Bob Dougherty.

Bob Dougherty, a charter member of the Chester County Ancient Order of Hibernians, brought this important discovery to the attention of Joe Roche, then National President of the AOH. Moved by the significance of Sister Veronica’s research, President Roche established a committee to honor these foreign-born heroes. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the committee, the idea for an AOH memorial at the Grove was born.

Their efforts culminated in the creation of a striking memorial: a seven-foot-seven-inch obelisk crafted from Wicklow granite, situated on an octagonal plaza near the entrance to the Medal of Honor Grove and overlooking a peaceful man-made pond. This obelisk stands as a tribute to the valor and service of foreign-born Medal of Honor recipients. Engraved on the monument are the names of recipients born in Ireland, as well as those from Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Norway, the Philippines, Scotland, South Wales, Sweden, Switzerland, the West Indies—and even five individuals whose birthplaces remain unknown.

In recognition of her groundbreaking research and unwavering dedication, Sister Maria Veronica was honored in 1989 with the prestigious Anna C. Malia Award by the Pennsylvania Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.

1985 AOH Area Dedication Ceremony

Recipients in attendance:

Charles A. MacGillivary
James M. Burt
Eugene Bennett Fluckey
Sister Maria Veronica is seated with them.

Poem

This poem was composed by Bridget Dunleavy. It was written to pay tribute to those 160 stateless immigrants, who earned the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military award and whose names are memorialized on the Ancient Order of Hibernian’s obelisk at the Medal of Honor Grove.

To The Immigrant Soldiers:

December 25, 2014

In blood they stood
And in their ghosts
So too we stand this day.
The freedom wrought
So costly bought
In an iron, final pain.

From lands unknown
To hear they sailed
To fight for liberty.
They heard the name
And with no shame
They left to fight across the sea.

Salute these here!
The ones who gave
To us their unknown lives
For so long as we
Honor those deeds
Still, now they are nigh.

They stood in blood
And we in gold
Honoring their fight
Tread softly here,
Silence your tongue
And forever, keep the flame alight.

October 2017 AOH Area Improvement

June – October 2017 Members of the AOH built the wall, replaced the sidewalks, built a garden for the 160 ground plaques which were installed. Beautiful tribute to these immigrants that received the Medal of Honor.