More than 100 people gathered around the Nassau County courthouse’s Irish-American memorial this past Monday to honor the 1916 Irish Easter Rebellion, which sought to end British rule over the Irish people.
The 98th annual ceremony began with an introduction by the Nassau County Pipes and Drums Group, followed by a performance from the Color Guard of the New York State Court Officers and announcements by Irish-American officials.
“I probably have the best job in the world, Ireland’s Deputy Consul General in New York Peter Ryan said. “I get to work with people like you. I get to help Irish-Americans.”
Ryan said the importance of the event was not only to help Irish-Americans in the United States but also maintain their ties to Ireland.
“We need to keep Ireland a focal point of the White House,” he said.
Seán Crowe, who is a member of the lower house of the Irish Parliament, also made an appearance at the event, jokingly taking credit for the events weather.
“It’s always sunny in Ireland,” Crowe said. “I took the sunshine with me today.”
Crow also explained his desire to see Irish-Americans and Ireland remain close together.
“Many would argue that the 1916 uprising wouldn’t have happened without the support of Irish-Americans,” Crowe said.
Crowe expressed his concern with America’s immigration policy, saying that it hindered growth between Irish-Americans and Ireland.
“We can overcome them,” he said.
The hour-long ceremony ended with representatives gathering near the Irish-American monument and a concluding Irish rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
“I am looking forward to 2016 as a century since the rising,” Crowe said.
