A Letter from Ireland
a Chara,
This weekend, across Ireland, the US and Canada, supporters of Irish Republicanism will gather to remember our patriots, celebrate their lives, and commit to bringing about a new and United Ireland.
On Easter Sunday, 1916, the rebel army of the Irish Republic rose up to fight for an independent Ireland free from British rule.
In Dublin, at the General Post Office (the GPO), Padraig Pearse read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. In the opening paragraphs, it states that the Rising is supported by “our exiled children in America.” The link between our nations is indelibly inked on the page and declared in battle.
In many ways, the Proclamation is akin to the US Declaration of Independence.
It set forth a vision of an independent republic, guaranteeing the equal rights of all citizens and promising to pursue the nation’s happiness and prosperity. The language was intentional and drawn from the Declaration of Independence.
The connection between Irish and American Revolutionary leaders stretches back to the time of the Declaration of Independence. In 1771, Benjamin Franklin visited Ireland and witnessed firsthand how the Irish were impoverished by the British.
British colonial rule, laws, and practices were tested and refined in Ireland. Franklin detailed how the British exported Ireland’s wealth, leaving the natives destitute. He saw the future of America under British colonial rule and stiffened his resolve for independence.
Washington watched developments in Ireland throughout the war and afterwards. His revolutionary army drew heavily on the Irish. In cases, recent arrivals and others, the sons of daughters of immigrants who had fled Britain’s penal laws. They were mostly Catholic and Presbyterian Irish (also known as Dissenters) who had been discriminated against and suppressed by the British.
They knew the reality of British rule and stuck with the forces of independence. The Irish, both Catholics and Dissenters, fought side by side as Irish and American.
The success of the American Revolution would inspire the founder of modern Irish Republicanism, Wolfe Tone, and the Society of United Irishmen, and subsequent generations. Looking in on the lessons of the American Revolution, he sought to unite Protestants, Catholics, and Dissenters under the common banner of Irish men and women to break the link with Britain.
This Easter, we remember all of those who gave their lives for Irish Freedom and recommit to building a new and united Ireland. We wear an Easter Lilly to commemorate their dedication and sacrifice.
We now have a peaceful and democratic pathway to unity. One that will again rely on “our exiled Children”.
This Easter, I encourage you to remember how we have shaped each other’s histories over generations. To reflect on our shared values and recommit to building an Irish republic true to the founding principles of our two great nations.
Have a great weekend,
