For generations, Irish immigrants have flocked to the United States with an unwavering aspiration to make a better life for themselves and their families.
Between 1820 and 1975, 4.7 million Irish settled on American soil. When the blight of the potato famine began to recede in the 1850s, those who had stayed in Ireland soon moved across the Atlantic to be with their family and friends who had already relocated west. During this time, Irish-Americans accounted for more than half of all immigrants in the U.S. To this day, our country’s fabric is woven with their stories, hard work, and enduring spirit.
Irish-Americans came to this country with nothing more than a desire for a better life and the faith that they could make it. In the early days, Irish-Americans were the farmers who fed us, factory workers who clothed us, laborers who built our nation, soldiers who fought for our independence and the preservation of our values, firefighters and police officers who protected us, teachers educated us, and so much more.
These early immigrants were driven by the dreams that still tempt people from all over the world to America today.
It was that same determination that guided my family from County Down and County Kerry here to Holyoke and Springfield - “the next counties over.”
It was that same determination that persuaded U.S. Sen. John F. Kennedy, whose four grandparents were comeovers, to run for office and become our 35th president.
And it was that same determination that ignited a spark within my soul at a young age watching the succession of local Irish-American politicians and seeing then-Senator Kennedy on the steps of Springfield City Hall the night before he would become president-elect that fueled my ambition for higher office, too. For many Irish-Americans, politics was the way up.
Twenty-nine years after watching Kennedy, I was elected to the House of Representatives as a freshman member. At this time, Northern Ireland was a militarized state, and I saw it with my own eyes while visiting relatives in the Emerald Isle in the early 1980s. There were 30,000 British soldiers in an area the size of Connecticut. That experience was one that has always stayed with me, and I knew then and there that I needed to add my voice to bringing peace to the island of Ireland – for our ancestors, families, and future.
As we inch closer to the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we must not be cavalier about its importance. Since the landmark peace deal was reached in 1998, the 310-mile border in Ireland has remained frictionless and invisible.
As the United States is a guarantor of this historic peace accord, we must ensure that this blueprint for lasting peace and stability remains. The reach and role of American foreign policy is indispensable in creating a template of what peace might look like for all. Nurturing this agreement is where we all should rest.
Today, Ireland is a prosperous island and over 30 million Americans, almost 10% of our population, claim Irish heritage. This number confirms the everlasting bond between our two countries.
The U.S. and Ireland also share a deep investment relationship. Earlier this week, the New York Stock Exchange flew the tricolor next to the American flag and hosted its 10th “Ireland Day” with Ireland INC, an organization that connects Irish and U.S. businesses across the globe.
“Ireland Day” is the only recognized country day at the NYSE. Today, more than 900 U.S.-owned firms operate in Ireland, and over 650 Irish firms have a U.S. base. The countries share nearly 50 Sister City International pairings and a deep connection in literature, poetry, storytelling, art, and music.
One of the most prolific storytellers in history was James Joyce. This year we commemorate the 100th anniversary of “Ulysses,” arguably one of the best literary masterpieces of our time. Educated at the University College Dublin, Joyce’s words transcend countries. The story of Leopold Bloom is read and studied worldwide and Joyce himself has become an intrinsic part of Irish culture.
Just a few days ago I was honored by another university in Dublin – Dublin City University – with an honorary doctor of philosophy degree. It was with great pride that I accepted on behalf of my family members who had fled subjugation and famine to become part of the American mosaic.
As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let us do so while honoring the achievements and contributions that Irish-Americans and all immigrant communities have made to our country. Because of their contributions, we continue to be the land of opportunity. And we will continue to extend a hand to those who want to share in the American dream.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, is the congressman from the 1st Congressional District of Massachusetts and chairs the House Ways & Means Committee. You can learn more about the congressman and his work online at neal.house.gov. His district office in Springfield is located at 300 State St., Suite 200, 413-785-0325.
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