Congressmen Boyle & Mulvaney Plant Tree on U.S. Capitol Grounds to Honor Irish Heritage

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Congressmen Brendan Boyle (D-PA-13) and Mick Mulvaney (R-SC-05) led the planting of a ceremonial tree on the U.S. Capitol Grounds. The tree, an Irish Oak, was planted to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, as well as to honor all Irish-Americans. In 1916, Irish Americans played a significant role in the Rising. The Easter 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic specifically states the Rising as “supported by her exiled children in America.”

Commemorating the occassion, Rep. Boyle said, “As this tree grows into a proud and enduring symbol of Ireland’s struggle for liberty, we hope that it serves as a living reminder that our two nations took root with shared aspirations for freedom.”

Rep. Mulvaney added, “Democrat, Republican, or Independent, we all appreciate and respect our Irish heritage and are proud to be a part of this historic event. There are only one to two trees planted each year, so it goes without saying this was a special and rare event.”

In November of 2015, both Congressmen submitted a joint letter to the architect of the Capitol requesting approval to plant the tree from the Speaker of the House and the Chair of the Senate Rules Committee. That approval was granted. It is extremely rare to have a tree planted in honor of an event or a person from another country.

Today’s ceremony was attended by both Congressmen Boyle and Mulvaney. Other distinguished guests included Ireland Sen. Mark Daly and Notre Dame University V.P., John Sturm.
###