Washington D.C. – Marking a significant moment in the 250th anniversary year of the United States Declaration of Independence, commemorations honoring the enduring contribution of Ireland to American life took place this week. A wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, at the grave of President John F. Kennedy, served as a focal point, recognizing not only his legacy but the broader impact of Irish heritage on the nation’s leadership and identity. The events underscore a historical connection that stretches back centuries, woven into the very fabric of the American story.
The remembrance at Arlington, organized by the Irish America 250 Committee and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, highlighted the remarkable number of American presidents with Irish roots. According to Professor Darragh Gannon, the assistant director of Irish Studies at Georgetown University and lead Historian for Irish America 250, a total of 23 presidents can claim Irish heritage, tracing back to Andrew Jackson and extending to the current administration of President Joe Biden. This transatlantic narrative, he explained, is one of success and political achievement, transforming the Irish story from one of exile to one of influence.
Sean Pender, the National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish-American Catholic organization nearly 190 years old, emphasized the importance of remembering the past. “We are doing this to remember our past and to remember the contributions in this very special year of 250 years of America,” Pender said. He specifically noted the significance of honoring John Kennedy, the first Irish Catholic president and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, as representative of “all that is great about what Ireland has brought to this country.”
A Legacy Rooted in Emigration and Achievement
The Irish contribution to the United States is deeply intertwined with the story of emigration, particularly during the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s and 1850s. Approximately two million Irish people left Ireland during that period, with roughly one million perishing from starvation and disease. Those who reached American shores, however, played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s development. Professor Gannon pointed to figures like James Hoban, the Irish-born architect of the White House, and John Barry, hailed as the ‘father of the US Navy’ during the American Revolutionary War, as early examples of Irish success in America. Thomas Francis Meagher, a leader of the Irish Brigade in the Union Army during the Civil War, too stands as a testament to Irish-American participation in key moments of national history.
Expanding the Commemoration
The commemorations extended beyond Arlington National Cemetery. Three other former presidents were honored, and a lecture and poetry reading were held in New York City. The New York event, organized by Irish America 250, featured 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 leading Irish poet Micheal O’Siadhail. The poem was specifically created to mark the America 250 celebration.
Irish America 250 is collaborating with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, the Northern Ireland executive in Belfast, and various stakeholders in the United States to lead a year-long series of events. Professor Gannon encouraged those in Ireland interested in promoting Irish heritage to reach out and participate in this historic year.
A Personal Connection to History
For many, the commemorations held a deeply personal significance. Mary Ann Lubinsky, National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, described the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery as profoundly moving. “It was truly an honour for me to be there and to place the wreath on his grave today. I’ve got the goosebumps again. It was magnificent!” she said.
Looking Ahead to July 4th and Beyond
The main national celebration is scheduled for July 4th. The America 250 Committee, with honorary co-chairs George and Laura Bush and Barack and Michelle Obama, has organized events throughout the year to highlight the Irish-American story. This initiative aims to not only commemorate the past but also to foster a deeper understanding of the enduring relationship between Ireland and the United States.
As the year progresses, Irish America 250 will continue to lead the charge in recognizing the multifaceted contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants to American society. The ongoing series of events promises to be a powerful reminder of the transatlantic story that has shaped both nations. Further details on upcoming events and initiatives can be found through Irish America 250’s official channels.
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