ICYMI: Boyle Joins Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin for Wreath-Laying Ceremony Honoring Irish Contributions to America’s Founding

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) today joined Micheál Martin, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Commodore John Barry statue on the south side of Independence Hall honoring the Irish-born signers of the Declaration of Independence and recognizing the lasting contributions of Irish Americans to the founding of the United States.

Congressman Boyle was instrumental in bringing Taoiseach Martin to Philadelphia for the visit.

"As you know, Philadelphia is the nation's birthplace. It is really just the beginning of the celebration of our semiquincentennial, America's 250th birthday," said Congressman Boyle. "To recognize the Irish role in the Declaration of Independence, but indeed in the entire American War of Independence, I'm proud to present this to you, Taoiseach, and I look forward to another 250 years of proud relations between the American and Irish peoples."

"It is a particularly personal moment for me to be here as a student of history in the birthplace of the United States of America," said Taoiseach Martin. "And in particular, this visit is in many ways recognizing the extraordinary contribution of the Irish to American Independence. So it reaffirms the connection and the relationship between the United States and Ireland. It's foundational, as Congressman Boyle has said, and it's historic. I just want to take the opportunity to thank Congressman Boyle," Taoiseach Martin continued.

The ceremony paid tribute to George Taylor, James Smith, and Matthew Thornton, the three Irish-born signers of the Declaration of Independence, and highlighted the role Irish immigrants played in shaping the nation during its earliest days. Members of the Irish American community and local leaders joined the event in Philadelphia's historic district.

The ceremony took place at the statue of Commodore John Barry, the Irish-born naval officer who served with distinction during the Revolutionary War and remains a symbol of Irish service in America's founding era.

Today's event underscored the deep historical and cultural ties between Ireland, Philadelphia, and the United States, and celebrated the enduring friendship between the two nations.

###