The real Annie Moore remembered at last

This authentic Irish blue limestone grave marker was dedicated October 11, 2008 at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York. It honors Anna "Annie Moore" Schayer and her children who are buried along with her: a fitting memorial to a woman who represents in the minds of many the courage of the Irish-American immigrant. From the day she entered America as the first Ellis Island immigrant in 1892, to this late but beautiful memorial, her life has been one of surprises.

Long live the memory of "Annie Moore", and long live the courage of the Irish people!

Thanks to Megan Smolenyak for the permission to use this photograph of the gravestone taken at its dedication yesterday.

A day of celebration for Irish-Americans

Annie Moore, the famed first immigrant to arrive at Ellis Island has been in the news lately. This week her name will be back on the lips of many as she is memorialized with an Irish limestone marker on her previously unmarked grave in Queens, New York. The placing of the headstone will involve a ceremony that any Irish-American would be proud to attend.

Plans include the singing of the "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" Ellis Island tribute by Ronan Tynan. Also attending will be a host of other prominent guests including the song's composer Brendan Graham, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York Dennis Sullivan, radio host Adrian Flannelly, Ireland's New York Consul General Niall Burgess, genealogist Megan Smolenyak, New York Commissioner of Records and Information Brian Andersson, and many others, including Annie Moore's descendants. New York's County Cork Pipe and Drum Band will perform during the ceremony. New York's County Cork Benevolent, Patriotic and Protective Association will also participate.

All are welcome to attend the event, which will be held Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 3 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York. For details contact Julia Devous, great-granddaughter of Annie Moore and project spokesperson with the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation of Phoenix, Arizona at julia@anniemoore.net or genealogist Megan Smolenyak at smolenyak@att.net.

Whether or not you're able to attend, it's a great day to wave your Irish flag here in America!

For additional details about the memorial and the life of Annie Moore, see the Irish Echo article Annie's Day, Annie Moore Gets Her Day in Cork and New York! on Megan's Roots World blog, or the website of The Irish Cultural Center of Phoenix, Arizona (online home of the Annie Moore memorial project).

For more background on the story of the discovery of the final resting place of Annie Moore, see The Irish Echo's Putting Things Right: Icon Annie Moore lived, and died, in New York's hardscrabble streets.