Press release
Minister of State, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, attends unveiling of 1916 commemorative plaque for Washington Monument
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, is honoured to be in Washington DC today at the unveiling of the commemorative plaque which was presented to the US National Park Service on behalf of the President and people of Ireland to mark the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
The commemorative plaque, which contains the wording of the 1916 Proclamation, will be showcased within the Washington Monument – a particular honour as memorial plaques are now accepted in only very rare circumstances.
The Minister said:
"I was delighted to accept the invitation from the United States National Parks Service on the occasion of the reopening of the Washington Monument to the public. This plaque will now be visible to the public for the first time and honours the connection to George Washington and the fight for Independence. This rare honour celebrates the shared heritage of our two nations and reminds us of our precious friendship and ties."
On the commemorative plaque, the Minister added:
"The plaque acknowledges the unique and exceptional links between our two countries and recognises the contribution which many Irish have made, and continue to make, to the United States of America."
ENDS
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The Washington Monument contains commemorative and memorial stones received from all 50 states, cities and towns across America. The Washington Monument to date has commemorative and memorial plaques from only 16 other foreign countries.
The majority of stones were received between 1849 and 1855, although the most recent new donation was accepted in 1982 (from the state of Alaska).
Memorial stones are now accepted only in very rare circumstances, such as the admission of a new state to the union or replacement of a previously donated stone. The offer of a plaque from Ireland was accepted after ensuring it met proper criteria for inclusion in the Washington Monument, and review and approval by the director of the National Park Service.