During an address in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday March 17, President Joe Biden urged his audience to applaud his remarks.
The commander in chief was joined by Leo Varadkar, the prime minister of Ireland, when he praised the presence of Irish citizens in the United States and the ties between the two nations. According to the president, this year marks a “milestone” of 100 years of “diplomatic relations” between America and Ireland.
Join me at the White House this St. Patrick's Day as I deliver remarks. https://t.co/TXSJurfUN7
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 17, 2024
Biden went on to “celebrate the bonds of our friendship” which he said has “shaped our past, strengthened our present and inspires our future.” He also emphasized that the two countries have continued to progress economically through their shared values.
Driving home his point, the president explained that Ireland is “one of the top ten investors” in the American economy. He also said that both nations are committed to “proudly” defend liberty and resist tyranny.
When using the nations’ joint belief in standing against “Russia’s brutal war of aggression in Ukraine,” he said to his audience, “You can clap for that, please.” Biden’s remarks came two days after he shared similar sentiments at the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon, hosted by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).
During the event, the president emphasized the need to support those caught in the crossfires of war in both Ukraine and Gaza, in the form of foreign and humanitarian aid.
Prime Minister Varadkar similarly took time during his luncheon comments to promote peace efforts between Northern Ireland—which remains a territory of the United Kingdom—and Ireland. He also endorsed the need to send aid to Ukraine.
Also on St. Patrick’s Day, Biden hosted a brunch at the White House to which he invited Catholic leaders. The president, who is a baptized Catholic but undergoes continuous backlash for certain policies that directly violate the teachings of the Catholic Church, celebrated “the work of Catholic organizations” in helping those in need.
The unapologetically pro-abortion leader said that St. Patrick’s Day is “not just about heritage, but it really is about faith.” He added that his own Irish heritage is “connected to the Catholic teachings I grew up with.”
