Whereas July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America;

Whereas Irish immigrants and United States citizens of Irish descent played a disproportionately significant role in the struggle for United States independence from 1775 to 1783;

Whereas historians estimate that up to 40 percent or more of the Continental Army consisted of Irish-born soldiers or those of Irish heritage, despite being only about 10 percent of the American population at the time, providing critical manpower as foot soldiers, officers, and specialists in key battles;

Whereas Irish patriots served valiantly under General George Washington, including notable figures such as Commodore John Barry, known as the Father of the American Navy, who captured the first British warship on the high seas, fought at Trenton and Princeton, and commanded in the War’s final naval engagements;

Whereas aides-de-camp to General Washington included Irish immigrants like Dr. James McHenry, who later served as the third United States Secretary of War, and Colonel John Fitzgerald of Virginia;

Whereas at least 8 signers of the Declaration of Independence had Irish roots or were born in Ireland, including Charles Carroll of Carrollton who had helped draft Maryland’s State Constitution, advocated for religious freedom, and later served as one of Maryland’s first United States Senators (1789–1792);

Whereas Charles Carroll of Carrollton was the only Catholic among the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and he outlived all other signers, dying at age 95;

Whereas Charles Carroll of Carrollton’s cousin, Daniel Carroll (1730–1796), signed the Articles of Confederation (making Maryland the last State to ratify) and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention (1787), where he was 1 of only 2 Catholics to sign the United States Constitution;

Whereas Irish merchants, craftsmen, and community leaders supported the cause by raising funds, supplying the Army, advancing credit to the new government, and participating in political deliberations, most notably Thomas Fitzsimons (1741–1811), a merchant and Revolutionary War officer, he raised funds and supplies, commanded troops, and was 1 of the 2 Catholic signers of the Constitution;

Whereas the shared quest for liberty from British rule inspired both the American colonists and the Irish people, with the success of the American Revolution influencing later movements for Irish rights and independence;

Whereas the enduring legacy of these contributions reflects the vital role of Irish immigrants in building and defending the United States from its earliest days; and

Whereas this 250th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse threads of heritage that wove together to form the fabric of American independence: Now, therefore, be it