    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [March 17, 2005]
    [Pages 456-458]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Saint Patrick's Day Shamrock Presentation Ceremony With
    Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland
    March 17, 2005

        Taoiseach, thank you very much, and welcome back to the White House.
    It's--Laura and I are delighted to continue the
    tradition of accepting the crystal bowl overflowing with shamrocks. It's
    a wonderful

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    gift symbolizing Ireland's world-renowned hospitality.
        Today is a joyous celebration of the deep friendship between the
    Irish and the American peoples. The histories and bloodlines of our two
    countries are deeply intertwined. And that is why, in cities and towns
    across our Nation, millions of Americans celebrate this feast day of the
    Apostle of Ireland.
        Saint Patrick used the three leaves of the shamrock to illustrate
    the mystery of the Trinity. The shamrock has also come to represent the
    unity that people can achieve when they commit themselves to peace and
    freedom.
        In America, we have a phrase for that--it's called e pluribus unum,
    out of many, one. You'll find that on the Great Seal of the United
    States, which, by the way, was largely designed by Charles Thompson, a
    native of Derry.
        The hearts of the Irish burn for freedom, and they brought that love
    for liberty with them to America. The Irish fought in our Nation's War
    of Independence, and over the past two centuries, they devoted their
    blood and sweat to defending and building America. When terrorists
    struck our Nation, the Irish were well-represented among the
    firefighters and police officers who sacrificed their lives to save
    others at the World Trade Center. In a great Irish tradition, marines
    preparing to retake the city of Fallujah prepared for battle to the
    strains of Lieutenant Colonel Paul Sweeney's
    bagpipes echoing across the Iraqi plains.
        The Irish have a way of turning adversity into opportunity. About a
    million came to our shores seeking refuge from the great potato famine.
    Once they came, they built, and they toiled, and they produced. They
    constructed railroads and great cathedrals. They even helped build the
    U.S. Capitol. They added to our literature with a genius, with their
    words. And, of course, a few even entered politics. [Laughter]
        The Irish talent for statesmanship has been evident on both sides of
    the Atlantic. And today we're proud to welcome a friend of peace and a
    friend of freedom, my good friend Bertie Ahern.
        Mr. Prime Minister, I want to thank you for your tireless work in
    the struggle against terrorism on Saint Patrick's Island. I appreciate
    your leadership. I appreciate your strength of character. I appreciate
    your vision. It takes courage to work the path--to walk the path of
    peace. And your leadership, Mr. Prime Minister, is appreciated not only
    in your nation but in ours as well. As you work for peace, our
    Government and the American people will stand with you.
        Today, America and Ireland are united in many ways. The economies of
    our two countries are closely tied. We're working together to bring
    freedom and justice to Afghanistan and the Balkans and other countries
    that have not known it. We share a common commitment to the values
    preached by Saint Patrick: Liberty under God and the dignity of all
    human persons.
        Taoiseach, we pay tribute to the role the Irish have played in
    defending and renewing the ideals that Americans cherish. May our
    friendship remain steadfast, and may the citizens of both our nations
    enjoy a happy and blessed Saint Patrick's Day. Welcome back.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:25 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of Prime Minister Ahern.

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