[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 11 (Monday, March 21, 2005)]
[Pages 457-458]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

[[Page 458]]

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.