{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riley-m-moore-celebrates-irish-contributions-american-revolution", "Congressman Riley M. Moore Celebrates Irish Contributions to the American Revolution with New House Resolution on St. Patrick's Day", "2026-03-17", "2026", "2026-03", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Riley M. Moore", "M001235", "rileymoore.house.gov", "rileymoore", "https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) introduced a House resolution honoring the extraordinary contributions of Irish colonists to the American War for Independence, coinciding with the Irish efforts to push the British out of Boston on St. Patrick's Day. This resolution is especially important as Congress prepares to recognize America\u2019s great heritage during our nation's 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.\n\nThe resolution recognizes that Irish immigrants and Americans of Irish descent played a significant role in securing America's freedom from 1775 to 1783. Historians estimate that up to 40 percent or more of the Continental Army consisted of Irish-born soldiers or those of Irish heritage\u2014despite comprising only about 10 percent of the population at the time\u2014providing vital manpower in key battles as foot soldiers, officers, and specialists.\n\nProminent figures highlighted include Commodore John Barry, the Irish-born \"Father of the American Navy,\" who captured the first British warship on the high seas, fought at Trenton and Princeton, and led in the war's final naval engagements. Aides to General George Washington, such as Dr. James McHenry (later the third U.S. Secretary of War) and Colonel John Fitzgerald, were Irish immigrants who served valiantly. At least eight signers of the Declaration of Independence had Irish roots or were born in Ireland, most notably Charles Carroll of Carrollton\u2014the only Catholic signer\u2014who helped draft Maryland\u2019s constitution and later served as a U.S. Senator. He outlived all other signers, passing at age 95.\n\nIrish merchants and leaders, including Thomas Fitzsimons\u2014one of two Catholic signers of the U.S. Constitution\u2014raised funds, supplied the Army, and supported the cause politically. The shared pursuit of liberty from British rule linked American colonists and the Irish people, with the Revolution inspiring future Irish independence movements.\n\n\u201cThis resolution celebrates the courage, sacrifice, and indispensable role Irish Americans played in founding our nation. As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's important to recognize the profound contributions of Irish patriots to the Revolutionary War and to the continued flourishing of our republic. I\u2019m proud to introduce this resolution on St. Patrick's Day to honor Irish Americans' contributions to the founding of our nation, recognize the enduring bond between America and Ireland, and encourage all Americans to embrace this important heritage during the Semiquincentennial commemoration,\u201d stated Congressman Moore.\n\n\u201cFrom the first shots at Lexington and Concord to Cornwallis\u2019 surrender at Yorktown, the Irish immigrants and Irish Americans stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow patriots to secure America\u2019s independence and make the promise of liberty real,\u201d said Congresswoman Maria Salazar (FL-27). \u201cThat same spirit of courage and sacrifice carried forward to help build communities across our country, including Miami, whose first mayor was of Irish descent. I am proud to support this resolution, which recognizes that from the very beginning, the Irish didn't just join America\u2019s story, they helped write it, defend it, and shape the nation we know today.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn this St. Patrick\u2019s Day, we celebrate the contributions of Irish Americans to our nation\u2019s founding,\u201d said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. \u201cIrish Americans have fought in every war in United States history \u2014 serving with honor and distinction in the defense of liberty. We are grateful to our Irish forefathers for their patriotic service, from the American Revolution to today,\u201d Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) said.\n\n\"Irish Americans have been part of the fabric of this country for centuries. These brave men and women played a critical role in the Revolutionary War, and they deserve recognition,\" said Congressman David Joyce (OH-14). \"As someone with proud Irish heritage, I am honored to cosponsor this resolution and celebrate Irish Americans who stood on the front lines of freedom.\"\n\n\"As the Representative for Connecticut\u2019s Second District, the most Irish Congressional District in one of the most Irish states in our country, I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution honoring the outsized contributions of Irish-Americans in the Revolutionary War and the founding of our nation 250 years ago. Irish immigration has made the United States the nation it is today,\u201d said Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02).\n\n\u201cI join my colleagues in recognizing the contributions Irish-Americans made to our nation\u2019s founding ahead of America\u2019s 250th anniversary,\u201dsaid Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). \u201cAs someone who represents a district with a vibrant Irish American population, I\u2019m proud to honor their legacy this St. Patrick\u2019s Day.\u201d\n\n\u201cLike so many Americans, I\u2019m proud to trace my heritage back to Ireland. From America\u2019s earliest days, Irish immigrants have made a historic and lasting impact. This resolution recognizes their important contributions during the American Revolution and in our Nation\u2019s history,\u201d said Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16), and co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://rileymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riley-m-moore-celebrates-irish-contributions-american-revolution"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.6434579845517874, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}