Press Release: Centennial Commemoration of Easter Rising & Celebration of New York – Ireland Friendship
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Sunday 24th April 2016 will be an historic day for the Irish American community in this region, as we gather to mark the Centennial of Ireland's Easter Rising of 1916. We will commemorate this date as marking the birth of Ireland as a sovereign Nation.
The United States of America is the only foreign country specifically referenced in the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, which also acknowledges the contribution of Ireland's "exiled children in America". On 24th April, we will remember the events of 1916 and we will honour the people whose courage and idealism inspired the Irish Nation.
An inspiring and inclusive day-long programme of events have been organised to mark this Centennial. They will take place from 11.00 - 17.30 in Wagner Park, Battery Park City - a location with deep historical resonance for the Irish American community, whose ancestors first arrived at this point following Ireland's Great Hunger in the 19th Century.
The Government of Ireland and Irish Community Official Commemorative Ceremony will take place at 11.00. The Ceremony will involve the Reading of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic and the raising of the National Flags. New York and Irish political leaders with participate, as well as the Irish Defence Forces and the 69th Infantry Regiment.
A star-studded music and cultural programme, entitled 'Welcoming Ireland!, will follow immediately after the Ceremony at Wagner Park (capacity 6,000) and the nearby Pier A. The very best of Irish music, dance, theatre, poetry and more will be on offer. Full programme, including registration for (free) Pier A tickets: www.Ireland2016NY.com [website no longer available].
This is a once in a century invitation to Irish Americans of all ages and their friends to engage in a wide range of special historical, cultural and artistic activities, reflecting the vibrant and extensive Trans-Atlantic friendship now, and into the future.
What: Ireland's Centennial Commemoration & Celebration of New York - Ireland Friendship
When: Sunday 24th April 2016, 11.00 - 17.30
Where: Wagner Park and Pier A, Battery Park City, New York
Contact: Ms. Siobhán Miley Press Officer: (202) 349 2043
Note for Editors:
The Centennial of Ireland's Easter Rising of 1916 will have particular resonance in the United States of America. Five of the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic spent periods of time in the US, which greatly influenced their thinking and actions. As above, the US is the only foreign country mentioned in the Proclamation; the US has the greatest concentration of Ireland's Diaspora; and contemporary ties are of extraordinary depth and breadth. Moreover, summarising the Irish American contribution to the Easter Rising of 1916, Professor Joe Lee of Glucksman Ireland House, new York University, says "No New York, No America, No (Easter) Rising". The events organised for 24 April in Battery Park City form the centrepiece of a rich, on-going Centennial Programme in the New York Metropolitan Region.