Biden and Irish dignitary unite in defiance of oppression while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the White House
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a Nod to Heritage and Hope for Peace
On a St. Patrick’s Day infused with the spirit of camaraderie and tradition, President Joe Biden opened the doors of the White House to Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. Together, they shared not only a celebration of Irish culture but also their unwavering commitment to global peace and democracy.
Biden, an ardent celebrator of his own Irish roots, and Prime Minister Varadkar graced the East Room with a reception that went beyond festivities; it was a testament to the enduring friendship between the United States and Ireland. In their remarks, they addressed pressing global issues, underscored by aspirations for a ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s military aggression.
“St. Patrick’s Day is about friendship. We have many friends here today because St. Patrick is a moment of great unity in Washington,” Biden remarked. “Whether you’re from a red state or a blue state, on this day, you’re Irish green.”
Emphasizing the history and solidarity shared by the two nations, Biden stated, “We celebrate the bonds of our friendship today, connecting millions of Irish Americans and American people. We celebrate the friendship between the two nations, one that has shaped our past, strengthened our present, and inspires our future.”
In the light of global events, the President reaffirmed the joint stance of the U.S. and Ireland as defenders of freedom and opponents of oppression, citing united opposition to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
“We stand proudly for liberty and against tyranny. We stand together in opposing Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine. You can clap for that,” Biden declared.
Geopolitics and the Pursuit of Peace
The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, touched upon more politicized issues, expressing Ireland’s solidarity with those affected by the conflicts in Gaza and their support for Ukraine. He commended President Biden’s dedication to the Belfast-Good Friday agreement.
Varadkar conveyed the deep concerns of the Irish community regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reflecting on Ireland’s empathy for the Palestinian people given their own history of ‘displacement, dispossession, and a questioned national identity.’
“We support your work and that of your administration to secure a humanitarian ceasefire and to create the space for lasting peace,” he shared.
The Taoiseach recognized the shared narratives of persistence and rebirth in both Irish and Israeli histories and proposed co-support for Israel and Palestine, signaling hope for a peaceful coexistence.
“We also see Israel’s history reflected in our eyes, a diaspora whose heart never left home no matter how many generations passed. A nation-state that was reborn and a language revived. I believe it’s possible to be for Israel and for Palestine, and I believe you do too,” he said, addressing Biden.
The White House St. Patrick’s Day commemoration thus became an event that not only celebrated cultural ties but also projected a powerful message for peace and understanding across borders.
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