JFK & 2 or 3 IRISHMEN VISIT CORK
Cork, Ireland (JFK+50) On June 28, 1963, President John F. Kennedy paid a visit to Cork, Ireland's second largest city. The President was greeted by a crowd estimated to be 100,000.
In his speech, JFK took pride in introducing "2 or 3 Irishmen" who came along with him from America. First to be introduced was JFK's Presidential assistant David Powers who, according to Mr. Kennedy, had seven of his cousins sitting with him on the front row. The second "Irishman" to be introduced was Larry O'Brien, JFK's legislative aide, and third was Jim Roley, head of the United States Secret Service.
Later, at Leinster House, JFK spoke to a joint session of the Dail and Seanad (Irish Parliament). The President spoke about the heroics of the Irish Brigade at the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. He presented one of the surviving flags of the 69th Regiment of New York volunteers from the battle "to the people of Ireland".
JFK said to the Irish Parliament...
"Today this is no longer the country of hunger and famine....nor is it any longer a country of persecution, political or religious. It is a free country and that is why any American feels at home."
Still later, at Dublin Castle, JFK was given honorary law degrees to National University of Ireland and Trinity College.
JFK said...
"I want to express....thanks to the people of Dublin. I can imagine nothing more pleasant than continuing day after day to drive through the streets of Dublin and waving and I may come back and do it."
JFK Motorcade in Dublin
June 28, 1963
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