Irish-American Heritage: Celebrating 250 Years of US Contribution | RTE News

Irish Heritage Celebrated as US Marks 250 Years of Independence

Wreath-laying ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and events in New York City are among the ways Ireland’s contribution to the United States is being recognized this year, as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The Irish America 250 Committee and the Ancient Order of Hibernians gathered at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, February 16, 2026, to lay a wreath on the grave of President John F. Kennedy. The event honored Kennedy, the first Irish Catholic president, and acknowledged his membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, stated, “We are doing this to remember our past and to remember the contributions in this very special year of 250 years of America.” He highlighted the significant number of Irish contributions to the presidency, noting that 23 U.S. Presidents have claimed Irish heritage.

The commemorations extend beyond Kennedy’s legacy. Events are also honoring three other former presidents, with a lecture and a specially commissioned poem planned for New York City. The Irish Voice newspaper’s publisher, Niall O’Dowd, will deliver a lecture on his book, Washington and the Irish, and Irish poet Micheal O’Siadhail will offer a first reading of a new poem, “IRISH AMERICA,” commissioned for the America 250 celebration.

Historians emphasize the depth and longevity of the Irish-American connection. Professor Darragh Gannon, assistant director of Irish Studies at Georgetown University and lead historian for Irish America 250, explained, “In fact, there are 23 presidents who can claim Irish heritage here in the United States all the way back to Andrew Jackson and going right up to the present to President Joe Biden.” He added that this demonstrates the Irish story is “not just of exile. It was a story of success and of political achievement across the Atlantic.”

The initiative, Irish America 250, was established to highlight the Irish contribution to America’s story. Professor Gannon noted the collaborative effort behind the commemorations, stating that Irish America 250 is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, the Northern Ireland executive in Belfast, and stakeholders within the United States. He encouraged those in Ireland interested in promoting Irish heritage to reach out and participate in what he called a “historic year.”

For Mary Ann Lubinsky, National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery was a deeply moving experience. “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.

The main national celebration is scheduled for July 4th. The events throughout the year are being organized by the America 250 Committee, which is chaired by George and Laura Bush and Barack and Michelle Obama.

President’s Day, observed on February 16, 2026, traditionally commemorates the birthday of George Washington, the first U.S. President. However, the day also served as a reminder of the surprisingly large number of presidents with Irish connections.