"And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift of God?" -- Thomas Jefferson

"And yet the same revolutionary belief for which our forbears fought is still at issue around the globe, the belief that the rights of man come not from generosity of the state but from the hand of God." -- John F. Kennedy

"Because of their belief that power had come from God to each individual, the Framers began the Constitution with the words 'we the people'" -- Newt Gingrich

"There's never been a nation like the United States, ever. It begins with the principles of our founding documents, principles that recognize that our rights come from God, not from our government." -- Marco Rubio


Sunday, March 17, 2013

On the Occasion of St. Patrick's Day in Ireland


Press Statement

John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
March 2013




On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the Irish people as you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Every day, we celebrate Ireland’s many contributions to America’s cultural heritage and the strong ties of friendship and kinship between our two countries. As someone who represented the state of Massachusetts for decades, I hold a special appreciation for the contributions that Irish-Americans have made to both countries.

This past year, the United States and Ireland worked together to expand scientific research cooperation, promote global health, protect the environment, and foster innovation, investment, and jobs. Ireland’s important role as a global advocate for peace and understanding is exemplified by its successful tenure as chair of the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe, its ongoing presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the upcoming leadership role on the United Nation’s Human Rights Council.

We look forward to deepening our partnership with Ireland in the year ahead. In this year of the Gathering in Ireland, as you mark this St. Patrick’s Day with family and friends, know that millions of Americans celebrate with you.

    PRN: 2013/0296


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