President Joe Biden wasn't at home in Delaware. He was in Boston. It was Saint Patrick's Day and he was talking up heritage, the bonds between America and Ireland, and the importance of immigration in America's story.
The 46th president made a surprise appearance at the annual Irish American Partnership Saint Patrick's Day Breakfast.
As reported in the Boston Globe, Biden, in his address to the gathering, reflected on the journey made by his Irish ancestors to America.
"Let us not lose sight of the bonds we share with today's immigrants, families who are enduring fear and violence at the hands of our government. This is not who we are. That's not who America is," he said.
This year's gathering fell on the IAP's 40th anniversary so a visit by and Irish American president was a most appropriate salute.
More than 480 guests were in attendance at the InterContinental Boston for what was the IAP's 31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Celebration. They greeted Biden's entry to the room was met with enthusiastic applause.
Said a release from the IAP: "President Biden’s appearance delighted the audience of civic, business, and community leaders and underscored the special significance of this year’s event, which marks the 40th anniversary of the Irish American Partnership.
"Long known for his deep pride in his Irish roots, President Biden chose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
morning with the Irish American Partnership community in Boston — a fitting moment for an
organization that for four decades has strengthened the ties between Ireland and the United States
through a $63 Million philanthropic investment in education and opportunity for young people across
Ireland.
"Introduced by Ambassador Claire D. Cronin (Ret.), former United States Ambassador to Ireland, President Biden reflected on the shared heritage and enduring friendship between the two nations."
Biden additionally said: “Coming up Irish American gave me pride that spoke to both sides of the Atlantic. Heart and soul, the truth of the old and the new.
"I learned the values passed down from generation to generation around countless Irish-American dinner tables, just like my own. Those Irish values became American values.
"On this St. Patrick's Day, we honor where we came from. Let us not forget and romanticize the visions of the past. Instead, let us remember what's possible, and recommit ourselves to the unified work that lies
ahead."
Said Mary Sugrue, President & CEO of the Irish American Partnership: “We were thrilled and deeply honored that President Biden chose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Irish American Partnership community.
“As we celebrate our 40th year, his presence was a powerful reminder of the pride so many
Irish Americans feel in their heritage and of the extraordinary bonds that continue to connect Ireland and
America.”
Held each year in Boston, the breakfast, added the IAP release, has become one of New England’s most beloved St. Patrick’s Day traditions, bringing together leaders from government, business, philanthropy, and the wider Irish-American community.
"This year’s celebration featured an outstanding lineup of speakers including Massachusetts Governor
Maura Healey, keynote speaker Helen McEntee, TD, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade and
Minister for Defense, and Dr. Norah Patten, the Irish aeronautical engineer and astronaut candidate
expected to become the first Irish person to travel to space later this year."
Said Governor Healey: “This breakfast is the Massachusetts-Ireland connection in action. No two places on this earth are separated by 3,000 miles but feel like they're right next door.
“The work of the Irish American Partnership is about care, compassion, connection, and community. That
is what leads to opportunity and prosperity. That should be the model for the path ahead.”
Guests enjoyed a musical performance by Irish tenor Andrew Gavin, a special video greeting message
from Mary Robinson, the seventh President of Ireland who lauded the organization with "all I can say is, keep up the good work over the next 40 years."
Added Mary Sugrue: “As we celebrate forty years of impact today’s gathering in Boston reflects the
remarkable community that has sustained this mission — people who believe deeply in education,
opportunity, and the enduring friendship between Ireland and America.”
THE IAP describes itself thus: "Dedicated to connecting Irish America and friends of Ireland to their heritage through targeted giving –the Partnership invests in education, community development, and peace initiatives across the island of Ireland.
"Since 1986, supporters have raised more than $63 million for young people and communities,
North and South, empowering and educating the next generation of global leaders.
"The Partnership provides targeted grants to schools, provides university access scholarships, funds
education centers for homeless youth, supports peace and reconciliation initiatives in Northern Ireland,
and champions Gaelic games, Irish arts and culture, and more. A dynamic, grassroots organization, the
Partnership is endorsed by leaders across education, community, and government sectors."
