In the near future, we will be introducing a resolution recognizing March 17, 2024, as “St. Patrick’s Day” and October 7, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United States.

Tradition has it that at age 16, Patrick was captured, along with all of the servants of his father’s estate, by Irish marauders, then sold to a Druid chief and taken to what is now known as County Antrim, in the Province of Ulster, Ireland.  While in captivity, Patrick experienced a religious awakening.  Driven by visions urging him to return to his native land, Patrick escaped his captors, undertaking a perilous journey in the process.  Upon his return home, Patrick dedicated his life to religion, studying in France, where he was ordained as a priest and, later, consecrated as a bishop.

March 17, 461, is generally recognized as the date of St. Patrick’s death.  Each March, during annual parades and celebrations honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, Irish Americans join with people of other ethnic origins in honoring St. Patrick and demonstrating a mutual love for Ireland.

2024 is also an appropriate and opportune time to recognize our nation’s longstanding diplomatic ties to Ireland.  Nearly 100 years ago, on October 7, 1924, Ireland and the United States opened diplomatic relations with each other.  Diplomacy, economics, education, nationalism, tourism, culture, philanthropy, and the circulatory movement of capital have been major points of contact between Ireland and the United States.  Here in the Commonwealth, Irish companies of all sizes and industries have established both their own operations and relationships with Pennsylvania’s business community.

Please join us in honoring the life of St. Patrick and recognizing 100 years of our nation’s diplomatic relations with Ireland.