Galway was the focus last week when the White House Historical Association (WHHA ) partnered with U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, including The Friends of the White House Historical Association in Ireland, for the third annual WHHA U.S. Presidents’ Day placing of wreaths.
Wreaths were placed at presidential statues and monuments in various nations, honouring the history of American Presidents globally and underscoring the meaningful leadership that each memorial represents. Presidents Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year – Monday, February 19, 2024.
In Galway, the history of the 35th President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was honoured at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial in Eyre Square on February 16, 2024. The memorial for John F Kennedy was put in place to remember the visit of JFK to Galway on June 29, 1963, where he received the Freedom of the City at a reception at the spot of the memorial in Eyre Square, Galway, from the then Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Patrick D. Ryan.
The Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Eddie Hoare, participated in the 2024 U.S. Presidents’ Day ceremony and celebration of history.
“The significance of the wreath laying extends beyond the American holiday, Presidents’ Day,” said Stewart McLaurin, President of the WHHA, who welcomed and sent his best for the ceremony in Galway. “It’s a testament to the deep personal and cultural ties U.S. presidents have to nations overseas” continued McLaurin.
The tradition began in 2022 when the association worked with the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh to lay a wreath at the statue of Abraham Lincoln. The wreath laying tradition has now expanded to countries including England, Argentina, Kosovo, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and others.
“It’s an honour that the Friends of the White House Historical Association in Ireland can work in partnership with the White House Historical Association in the preservation and commemoration of White House History on this Presidents’ Day”, commented Darragh Bohan, Co-Chair of the Friends of the WHHA in Ireland.
“We are filled with a profound sense of appreciation and reverence for the enduring bond between our great nations, the U.S. and Ireland. It is a bond that has been forged through shared values, deep cultural ties, and a mutual commitment to cooperation and friendship”, he added as they gathered in Eyre Square, Galway.
The Presidents’ Day wreath placement is a constant reminder of the strong connections American presidents will continue to foster with counterparts across the globe.
