A wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday honored President John F. Kennedy and acknowledged his membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, marking a year of events recognizing Ireland’s contribution to the United States as the nation observes the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The Irish America 250 Committee and the Ancient Order of Hibernians hosted the event, with Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, stating, “We are doing this to remember our past and to remember the contributions in this very special year of 250 years of America.” Pender highlighted that 23 U.S. Presidents have claimed Irish heritage.
Commemorations extend beyond Kennedy’s legacy, with events planned to honor three other former presidents. Niall O’Dowd, publisher of the Irish Voice newspaper, will deliver a lecture on his book, Washington and the Irish, and Irish poet Micheal O’Siadhail will offer a first reading of a newly commissioned poem, “IRISH AMERICA,” created for the America 250 celebration.
The recognition of Irish-American contributions comes as the United States and Ireland recently marked 100 years of diplomatic relations, beginning on October 7, 1924, when Professor Timothy Smiddy presented his credentials to President Calvin Coolidge. The United States was among the first nations to recognize Ireland’s independence. Today, over 30 million Americans – approximately 9% of the U.S. Population – claim Irish heritage.
In 2023, Irish foreign direct investment into the U.S. Totaled $322.6 billion, making Ireland the seventh-largest source of foreign direct investment into the United States. Ireland currently maintains nine active diplomatic missions and honorary consuls in 11 U.S. Cities. Eleven government representatives traveled to over 25 U.S. Cities for St. Patrick’s Day 2024, including the annual Shamrock Bowl Ceremony at the White House with the Taoiseach and President Biden.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin previously underscored the “steadfast” friendship between Ireland and the U.S. During a breakfast meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance in March 2025.
