Irish-American Heritage Month – March 2021

March 2021 – Irish-American Heritage Month. 

U.S President Joe Biden has proclaimed that the month of March 2021 is to become the Irish-American Heritage Month and it gives an opportunity to acknowledge the strong connection between Ireland, America and their people.

A Proclamation on Irish-American Heritage Month, 2021

March 01, 2021 • Presidential Actions

“Since before the founding of our Nation, Irish immigrants have arrived on our shores with an unyielding spirit of determination that has helped define America’s soul and shape our success across generations. Driven by the same dreams that still beckon people the world over to America today, so many crossed the Atlantic with nothing but the hope in their hearts and their faith in the possibility of a better life.

That’s what brought the Blewitt’s from County Mayo and the Finnegan’s of County Louth to the United States. For years, they brought Ireland into their homes in America. Working hard. Raising families. Remembering always where they came from. By 1909, my grandparents Ambrose Finnegan and Geraldine Blewitt met and married in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and passed on to my mother, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden, a pride and a passion that runs through the bloodstream of all Irish-Americans.

The story of the Irish the world over is one of people who have weathered their fair share of hard times, but have always come out strong on the other side. From often humble beginnings, Irish Americans became the farmers, servants, miners, factory workers, and laborers who fed our Nation, kept our homes, and built our industry and infrastructure. They became the soldiers who won American independence, died to preserve our Union, and fought in every battle since to defend America and its values.

Irish Americans became the firefighters and police officers who have protected us. They are the activists who organized unions to give voice and strength to America’s workers. They are the educators who taught generations of American students and the public servants who have answered the call to service in the halls of the Congress, the Supreme Court, and the White House.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Irish-American inventors and entrepreneurs who helped define America as the land of opportunity. Irish-American writers pollinated America’s literary landscape with their love of language and storytelling, while Irish lyricism has brought poetry, art, music, and dance to nourish our hearts and souls.

As I said when I visited Dublin in 2016, our nations have always shared a deep spark — linked in memory and imagination, joined by our histories and our futures. Everything between us runs deep: literature, poetry, sadness, joy, and, most of all, resilience. Through every trial and tempest, we never stop dreaming.

The fabric of modern America is woven through with the green of the Emerald Isle. This month, we celebrate the sacrifices and contributions that generations of Irish Americans have made to build a better America, and we renew the bonds of friendship that will forever tie Ireland and the United States.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2021 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Irish Americans to our Nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth. 

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.”

A Unique Irish Story Of Hope

As John F. Kennedy said “as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them”.

Philip Duffy, a wonderful driver guide with Cronins Coaches & Specialized Travel Services, tells the story of the Garden of Remembrance in Kinsale, County Cork, dedicated to the memory of Fr. Mychal Judge, Chaplain in the New York Fire Department and to the 343 brave fire fighters, who so courageously lost their lives in New York on September 11th 2001.

The Kinsale Garden of Remembrance was initiated by Kathleen Murphy, a nurse in New York City. She was born in Ringfinnan, Kinsale and her family continue to reside here. The first tree planting ceremony took place in November 2001 and this was followed by an official dedication of the garden on 10th March 2002 by the then Minister for Agriculture & Food, Joe Walsh, T.D. The dedication ceremony was attended by Irish relatives of the deceased New York fire fighters. Many of the fire fighters were of Irish descent and the garden has been visited on a regular basis by United States visitors to Ireland. Attached to each tree is the name of each individual fireman.

The “Gift of Ireland”

Specialized Travel Services “Gift of Ireland” gift certificates are a perfect thank you gift – They are a passport to the rich culture, history and scenic landscapes of Ireland, and they are valid for 5 years from date of purchase. There is flexibility to use “the Gift of Ireland” for any of our travel services, including self-drive tours, escorted tours, private group tours and tailor made vacations. Full of amazing heritage sights, wild and wonderful landscapes, dramatic scenery, and friendly, welcoming people, Ireland is an absolute treat to visit, any time of the year.

If you would like to trace your ancestors and your Irish roots and to experience the warm and welcoming atmosphere that surrounds the island of Ireland, when the time is right, you can contact Specialized Travel Services by filling in the Contact form Or by email: newyork@jeremyd50.sg-host.com. 

We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to Ireland! There are so many special places here waiting for you!

Note: Featured image at the top of the blog is of the American Flag and the Irish Flag © Getty Images