Ireland and the USA have a unique and evergreen relationship spanning back generations which is stronger than ever right now.

US President Joe Biden has proudly promoted this on the world stage, declaring March Irish American Heritage Month 2023, to coincide with Saint Patrick's Day and paying tribute to Irish immigrants and the relationship between the US and Ireland.

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is due to visit the USA to meet with the President for the traditional shamrock ceremony and the President of the USA also referenced Northern Ireland as being very much in his thoughts.

Paying an emotional tribute to his own great great grandparents and all the other Irish who have made the life-changing trip to the United States in search of a better future, the US President made a very personal speech to mark this special month.

"During Irish-American Heritage Month, I think of my great-great grandparents — the Blewitts of County Mayo and the Finnegans of County Louth.  Like so many other Irish immigrants who sought a new beginning in the United States, they arrived on our shores with hearts full of hope and dreams of the future. With grit and determination, they worked hard. And as they built their lives, they helped build America — never forgetting where they came from, always remembering the courage and pride they brought with them from the old country, and passing these traits down to each new generation."

President Biden also mentioned the pride that lives on today in the hearts of Irish Americans. "It lives on in business owners, scientists, and labor leaders who hold dear the Irish belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.  And it runs deep in so many first responders, public servants, and brave service members who defend our lives and liberties — the same liberties that so many Irish immigrants and Irish Americans helped preserve and protect".

He referenced President John F. Kennedy who once said, “Our two nations, divided by distance, have been united by history.”
 
"Today, the Republic of Ireland and the United States are also bound in our hope for the future — a future that is equal, just, and prosperous for all of our people. Together, our nations have stepped up to address COVID-19 and the climate crisis.  We have spoken out for human rights around the world and supported the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal war.  And this year, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement that helped create a more peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Northern Ireland."

The President pointed out that Ireland and the United States are forever bound together by our people and our passion. "Everything between us runs deep. In the years ahead, I look forward to strengthening the partnership between our countries and the friendship between our people even further."