Events marking Ireland’s contribution to the United States were held in Washington, D.C., and New York City, commemorating the 250th anniversary year of the US Declaration of Independence. The commemorations honored multiple former presidents, recognizing the significant Irish heritage within American political history.
Irish Contributions to US Presidency Honored
Wreath-laying ceremonies took place at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., at the grave of John F. Kennedy, organized by the Irish America 250 Committee and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, stated the event was to “remember our past and to remember the contributions in this very special year of 250 years of America.”
Pender noted that 23 US presidents have claimed heritage from the island of Ireland, with Kennedy holding a special place as the first Irish Catholic president and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. “It was fitting we come back here and honour him as all that is great about what Ireland has brought to this country,” he said.
Professor Darragh Gannon, assistant director of Irish Studies at Georgetown University and lead Historian for Irish America 250, said that 23 presidents can claim Irish heritage, dating back to Andrew Jackson and continuing to President Joe Biden. “That’s a remarkable story, not just of American history, but of Irish American history,” Gannon stated. He added that the Irish story is now “a transatlantic story.”
In New York, an event featuring a lecture by Niall O’Dowd, publisher of the Irish Voice newspaper, on his book Washington and the Irish, and a first reading of a newly commissioned poem, IRISH AMERICA, by Micheal O’Siadhail, was planned. Kevin Sullivan, chairman and CEO of Irish America 250, organized the event.
Irish America 250 is collaborating with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin and the Northern Ireland executive in Belfast for events throughout the year. The main national celebration is scheduled for July 4th, with the America 250 Committee overseeing events, and honorary co-chairs including George and Laura Bush and Barack and Michelle Obama.
Mary Ann Lubinsky, National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, described the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery as “truly an honour” and “magnificent.”
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