While I don't consider myself an expert on such matters, I have recently visited Northern Ireland and learned a bit about the sectarian violence there. Those who consider themselves "Irish" or "Republicans" would be found celebrating St. Patricks day. Those who consider themselves "British" or "Loyalist" would be found celebrating the Battle of the Boyne. The Orange Order would be the most adamant of the Loyalist side. In some places to wear orange on St. Patricks day would indeed be an affront something on the order of wearing Nazi paraphenalia outside a Jewish synagoge or a Ku Klux Klan robe at a NAACP rally. Most of us Americans may not fully comprehend the importance of such symbols but that doesn't make them any less valid or important to the people more closely involved than we are.

Jamie