4 hours ago
Senior US Republican and Democrat politicians gathered to celebrate Northern Ireland's historic ties to a pivotal moment in American history.
Over 200 attendees joined the event in Washington to commemorate those from Ulster involved in the signing of the American Declaration of Independence 250 years ago.
Among the guests was former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
The event was organized by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
"The signing of the Declaration of Independence was both a defining moment in American history and an important chapter in the long relationship between Ulster and the United States," Lyons said.
"From its earliest days, America has been shaped by people who crossed oceans in search of new opportunities – including thousands from the shores of Ulster."
Lyons added that more than 25 million Americans identify as Scots Irish or Ulster Scots.
The first copies of the Declaration were printed by John Dunlap, a man from Strabane, and several signatories had family roots in Ulster.
A series of concerts, exhibitions, cultural displays, and theatre productions are planned this summer to celebrate these US-Northern Ireland links.
Jen Condon, Executive Vice President of the America250 Commission, emphasized the importance of celebrating these connections.
"Our nations share deep historical ties and values that continue to shape our communities today," she said.
"Gatherings like this remind us that the story of America has always been connected to the people and traditions that crossed the Atlantic and helped build our country."
Earlier this year, Lyons announced a funding program for local projects in Northern Ireland to highlight the significant contributions of Ulster-Scots and Irish settlers, thinkers, and politicians to the founding of the US.
