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

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 .