Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Friendly Sons of St. Patrick The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, officially The Society of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland, is an American charitable and social organization for Irish-Americans founded in 1771. The Society was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 17 (St. Patrick's Day), 1771. Among the founders were General Stephen Moylan, aide to George Washington and cavalry commander in the Revolutionary War, and Thomas Fitzsimons, representative of Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress and signatory of the U.S. Constitution, both of whom were born in Ireland. George Washington became an honorary
Order of St Patrick important occasions, such as Coronations and investitures of new members of the Order, Knights of St Patrick wore elaborate vestments: On certain "collar days" designated by the Sovereign, members attending formal events wore the Order's collar over their military uniform, formal day dress, or evening wear. When collars were worn (either on collar days or on formal occasions such as coronations), the badge was suspended from the collar. Aside from these special occasions, however, much simpler accoutrements were used: The Grand Master's insignia were of the same form and design as those of the Knights. In 1831, however, William IV