The 9th Massachusetts (or the Fighting 9th, as they were sometimes called) were a hard fighting unit coming from all walks of Irish life in America. Though many of the soldiers were recent immigrants, they served with the determination of lifelong patriots. Known for their dogged willingness to stand and fight, the 9th found themselves in many hot spots on the battlefields of the Army of the Potomac, which they would not vacate out of pride in their courage and determination. Unfortunately, this sometimes led to high casualty rates among their ranks. These sons of Erin lived up to the words found in their motto: "Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked!"

Returning as speaker this month is our own CWRT member, Mike Sorenson. Mike has been a serious Civil War collector since the 1980's. He is a member of the prestigious West Coast Civil War Collectors group; and recently some of his artifacts were part of a special exhibit on the Cal 100 and Cal Battalion at the Lincoln Shrine in Redlands.

Mike is a building contractor in the San Gabriel Valley, is married, and has four children.

As might be expected from this well-known collector, Mike will not only be speaking about the Massachusetts 9th Regiment, but will be bringing us closer to these men through his exhibit of their artifacts. The stories behind the photos, letters and swords will give us all a greater understanding of these men and their times (and in one case, some very stylish footwear).

Please join us as we learn more about Boston's Fighting Irish 9th Regiment.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

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