History of St Patrick’s Day celebrations at the White House

A short video from the US Embassy in Dublin explains exactly why St Patrick’s Day is such a special occasion in the White House.

Every US President has taken part in St Patrick’s Day celebrations since Ambassador John Hearne sent President Harry Truman a gift of shamrocks in 1952.

This led to President Truman inviting President Seán T. O’Kelly to visit the White House in 1959.

Over the years the tradition grew and there have been some memorable occasions. John F. Kennedy accepted his family history and crest from Irish Ambassador Tommy Kiernan. Bill Clinton invited hundreds of Irish American community leaders into the White House on St Patrick’s. Barack Obama also revealed that he had Irish roots.

Irish American Ronald Reagan was a big fan of St Patrick’s Day and often had guests howling with laughter as they enjoyed the celebrations.

This year, President Donald Trump will host Ireland’s Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the White House on 16 March.

Mr Kenny will then head to New York for St Patrick’s Day to take part in the celebrations.

The following video takes a look throughout the history of Ireland and the US coming together to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

Take a look at the video below.

Brief history of Ireland and the US celebrating St Patrick’s Day together

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