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A RESOLUTION recognizing the 100th anniversary of the establishment of 1
diplomatic relations between the United States of America and Ireland. 2
WHEREAS, a century ago, on October 7, 1924, Ireland formally opened diplomatic 3
relations with the United States of America when Ambassador Timothy Smiddy 4
presented his credentials to President Calvin Coolidge; and 5
WHEREAS, following the Irish people’s long and painful struggle for 6
independence, the United States was one of the first nations to recognize the fledgling 7
Irish state earlier that year, and when Ambassador Smiddy emerged from the White 8
House, he had become Ireland’s first ambassador to any country in the world; and 9
WHEREAS, it was very appropriate that Ireland’s first representative overseas 10
should be dispatched to Washington, D.C., for while 1924 marked the beginning of 11
formal diplomatic relations, the deep Irish-American connection already dated back 12
centuries at that time; and 13
WHEREAS, today, nearly one-tenth of Americans identify as being of Irish 14
ancestry. Irish immigrants helped build the America we know today from the skyscrapers 15
of Manhattan and the transcontinental railroad to our modern political system; and 16
WHEREAS, Irish people have made an enormous contribution to public debate and 17
politics in America, from their local communities to the White House. More than twenty 18
American Presidents claimed some Irish ancestry. The influence of Irish America extends 19
well beyond the Oval Office and the United States Capitol to every state of the nation, 20
most evident by the significant number of state legislators within the American Ireland 21
State Legislators Caucus; and 22
WHEREAS, since Timothy Smiddy’s momentous audience in the Oval Office 100 23
years ago, a further eighteen Irish Ambassadors have presented credentials to United 24
States Presidents. Over this time, Ireland’s relations with the United States have evolved 25
significantly. From an impoverished and internationally isolated state, scarred by years of 26
conflict, Ireland has transformed over the past century into the economically prosperous 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 1426
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and culturally vibrant peaceful nation of today; and 1
WHEREAS, this transformation is due to the support of friends in the United 2
States, from the crucial role America played in brokering peace in Northern Ireland, 3
culminating with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, to the substantial American 4
economic investment in Ireland. There are almost 1,000 American companies in Ireland 5
employing over 200,000 people directly. Our economic relationship is truly two-way; as 6
some 100,000 people are employed in the United States by over 650 Irish-owned 7
companies, across every state. Indeed, Ireland is now the ninth largest source of foreign 8
direct investment in the United States; and 9
WHEREAS, the American- Irish relationship is a shining example of how ancestral 10
ties, historical connections, cultural affinities, and shared values can create a foundation 11
for enduring partnership and mutual prosperity. Irish American state legislators across the 12
United States are playing a vitally important role in fostering this partnership and 13
ensuring that it continues and flourishes for another century to come; 14
NOW, THEREFORE, 15
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the 16
Commonwealth of Kentucky: 17
Section 1. The House of Representatives does hereby recognize the 100th 18
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States of 19
America and Ireland. 20
Section 2. The Clerk of the House of Representative is directed to transmit a 21
copy of this Resolution to each of the members of the American-Irish Caucus. 22