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Home Page > News > Ireland’s US Ambassador Michael Collins welcomes West Point alumni in Washington DC

Ireland’s US Ambassador Michael Collins welcomes West Point alumni in Washington DC

IrelandReunions.com founder Mike Healy among guests of the Irish in DC

JANE WALSH,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Friday, February 22, 2013, 8:27 AM

Updated Friday, February 22, 2013, 8:27 AM

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Ambassador Michael Collins

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Ambassador Michael Collins has welcomed West Point alumni to the Embassy, as well as Ireland Reunions founder, Certificate of Heritage Affiliated Genealogist and West Point alumnus, Mike Healy.

IrelandReunions.com organises gatherings in Ireland for West Point alumni. The West Point USMA Class of the 1969 was the first to have their reunion in Killarney, County Kerry last June.

Ambassador Collins said “I am delighted to welcome West Point alumni to the Embassy. Since the founding of this country, the Irish have played a significant role in the US military, as they have in all walks of life here – little wonder as almost 40 million Americans claim Irish ancestry.”

The Ambassador also highlighted that there is no better time to visit Ireland than 2013, the year of the Gathering - an invitation to anyone Irish born, bred or in spirit to visit Ireland and join in the celebrations.

In addition, Ambassador Collins presented a Certificate of Irish Heritage to Ambassador Robert Kimmitt, a distinguished graduate of West Point. The Certificate is recognition by the Irish Government of Ambassador Kimmitt’s Irish heritage.

See more: Irish in US Politics , Irish News

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Joe Glackin | Feb 22, 2013, 06:19 PM EST

The Irish have played a major part in the US military from its Independence to present day.In Ireland and all western Europe there's a certain divide concerning American foreign policy. However this should not detract from the fact of Ireland's proud contribution regarding its US military enlisted.There were 40/50% Irish/American involved in the war of Independence and some were signatories of Declaration of Independence like Charles Carroll.Irish Fenian leader Thomas Francis Meager,was a Brigadier general with the 69th during Americas Civil war. Many Irish fought on both sides and from then onward. It was through Irish input into the Union Army that gained a respect and more acceptance into mainstream American Society. From WW1 WW2 Korea , Vietnam to present Irish have played major roles. Many of us have had family /relations involved. From WW1 WW2 Vietnam to Iraq/Kuwait Iv had ancestors and relatives involved. When Lee surrendered to Grant he proclaimed "You know the reason you have won? You had most of the Irish with you" . So The Irish Ambassador receiving a WestPoint Alumni is honoring all Irish who played their part .

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