Updated report on the Commodore John Barry
Memorial Project
Since the Barry Gate was installed last Friday morning positive things have developed on the Project at the US Naval Academy.
Yesterday, my wife and I stopped by to visit the Barry Gate and we were pleasantry surprised.
- · The naval painting on the brick wall of a victory by John Paul Jones was removed. (We paid to have it taken down!) In its place is a new entrance sign to the Academy. (See photo below)
- · The gold lettering on the right pillar – Commodore John Barry Gate – was installed.
- · On the left pillar was placed the Naval Academy’s seal.
- · The entire area was cleaned up.
As one walks down Craig Street from the dockside parking lot, they are hit by the new appearance of the Barry Gate. This new photograph below reflects the positive image of Commodore Barry’s presence at the Naval Academy. People are noticing it and taking photos in front of it.
Newspaper Article
Attached is an article in the local Annapolis newspaper – the Capitol.
Next Steps – the Future
Since the installation of Barry Gate last Friday, people have been asking about the Memorial and fund raising. The answer is — it is up to all of us.
Nothing can be done on the Memorial itself until all of the funds are collected, a final price settled upon, and a check written to pay for the entire development and erection. We are almost at the half way point in our fund raising efforts.
Several cities are considering major fund raising events (i.e., Boston, California, Chicago, Ohio, Pittsburgh (my hometown) Philadelphia, Washington, DC, etc.)
If we want to make the Barry Memorial a reality this year, we need to hold and sponsor serious fundraising events. Baltimore alone brought in over $25,000.00. In 2012, we will be competing against the many local fundraisers for political candidates. We know what Barry did for our nation; we do not know what the candidates will do in tour nation’s future.
John E. McInerney
National Co-Chairman, the Barry Project
Cell (202) 213 – 2055
Commodore John Barry Memorial Project
at the United States Naval Academy
January 7, 2012
Here is the Commodore John Barry Gate
Commodore John Barry Memorial
Project at US Naval Academy
John E. McInerney, Public Relations Director
218 College Station Drive
Largo, Maryland 20774-1237
For Immediate Release
Annapolis, MD: January 6, 2012: Today, at the US Naval Academy, the Hibernians honored the Irish born American Revolutionary War hero, Commodore John Barry. They installed an arch emblazoned in gold letters with Barry’s name over the Naval Academy’s main pedestrian gate in Annapolis, Maryland. The workers from Signcraft of Annapolis installed the arch at 11:35 am (Eastern time).
A delighted group of Hibernians (LAOH and AOH) and members of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick from Philadelphia were in attendance and participated. Those present took an informal but democratic vote to recognize the gate as the Barry Gate. Without objection, the motion passed!
With a sheet over the gate for a few minutes, a group held an informal unveiling. Many photos were taken and John E. McInerney, the National Co-Chairman and Public Relations Director of the Barry Memorial Project, gave a speech in front of the gate.
“This is indeed a great day for the Irish American community and the United States Naval Academy,” declared McInerney. “For a long while we have been saying – “Let’s meet at Barry Gate.” Finally, we are here today actually meeting at Barry Gate.” It is the hope of Naval Academy officials that Barry Gate will be a popular designated meeting place for midshipmen.
“For 175 years the Hibernians honored the memory of Commodore John Barry,” McInerney pointed out. “Today, Barry’s life, patriotism, heroism and great naval victories are a model and inspiration for our future commissioned officers of the Navy and Marine Corps.”
“We accomplished phase one of the Barry Project with the new Barry Gate,” said Jack O’Brien, National Co-Chairman and Organizer of the Barry Project. “Now we have to raise the money to erect the Barry Memorial and Plaza. The total cost will be around $200,000.00.”
Commodore Barry’s Background
Born in Ireland, Barry served his adopted country heroically in the Continental Navy during the Revolution to help create a new and free nation. He captured 20 British ships, was seriously wounded and shed his blood, and fought in the last naval battle of the Revolutionary War in 1783.
Fourteen years later in 1797, President George Washington, on his 52nd birthday, summoned his friend and Revolutionary War naval hero, John Barry, to the Presidential Mansion in Philadelphia. President Washington personally presented Barry with Commission Number One in the newly formed United States Navy under the US Constitution and entrusted Barry with its command and leadership. Barry accepted the commission as a Captain, the highest rank authorized by Congress at that time. It was backdated to June 7, 1794, the date of his original appointment. He was given command of the frigate United States.
With these actions, the United States Navy under the Constitution was born. Captain Barry directed the construction and outfitting of the Navy’s first frigate USS United States and trained many of the first officers of the Navy, including the naval heroes of the Tripoli War and the War of 1812. Barry later commanded a naval squadron as a Commodore, becoming the first recognized flag officer of the Navy by an act of Congress.
Contacts:
Jack O’Brien
National Co-Chairman and Project Organizer
Commodore John Barry Project at USNA
Ancient Order of Hibernians
11109 Belton Street
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774
jackobrien2@msn.com
Cell (301) 758 – 0738
John E. McInerney
National Co-Chairman and Public Relations Director
Commodore John Barry Project at USNA
Ancient Order of Hibernians
218 College Station Drive
Largo, Maryland 20774
McInerneyVerret@aol.com
Cell (202) 213 – 2055
Please share this and the attached with newspapers, newsletters, your organizations, friends and colleagues.
Attachment:BARRY Press Rel Gate 1 6 2012
Commodore John Barry Memorial Project
at the United States Naval Academy
January 6, 2012
Barry Gate Is Now A Reality: Today, at the US Naval Academy, the Hibernians installed the arch with Barry’s name over the pedestrian gate, thus inaugurating the new Commodore John Barry Gate. The workers from Signcraft of Annapolis installed the arch at 11:35 am (Eastern time).
A delightful group of Hibernians (LAOH and AOH) and members of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick from Philadelphia were in attendance and participated. We took an informal but democratic vote to name the gate the Barry Gate. It passed without opposition. So, it is now official.
An informal unveiling was held, many photos were taken, and I gave a speech – copy attached. The day was sunny and the weather was beautiful. We hope to have a photograph ready soon to share with you.
We accomplished phase one of he Barry Project with the gate. Now we have to raise the money to erect the Barry Memorial and Plaza. The total cost will be around $200,000.00 and we are far from that figure.
John E. McInerney
National Co-Chairman and
Public Relations Director
Commodore John Barry Project
Ancient Order of Hibernians
McInerneyVerret@aol.com
Cell (202) 213 – 2055
See attached BARRY Gate Remarks 1 6 2012
