Ireland Celebrates JFK's Legacy
With Unveiling of Statue
 |
|
FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR to Ireland and sister of John F. Kennedy, Jean Kennedy Smith, next to the statue of John F. Kennedy which was unveiled in New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland.
|
NEW ROSS, Co. Wexford - A life-sized bronze sculpture dedicated to President John F. Kennedy was unveiled on June 29 on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of his historic three-day visit to New Ross and Ireland.
This is the only statue on the island of Ireland dedicated to the memory of President John F. Kennedy whose family hails from just outside of New Ross in the small village of Dunganstown.
It was President Kennedy's great-grandfather, Patrick Kennedy who first emigrated to the United States from Dunganstown.
President Kennedy returned to his family's homestead in Dunganstown while serving as the 35th president of the United States and received a rapturous welcome from all corners of Ireland during his visit.
The visit became popularly known as "The Homecoming" as he was greeted at Dublin Airport by then Irish President Eamonn de Valera and taken on a whistlestop tour of Ireland during three memorable days.
Former United States Ambassador to Ireland, Jean Kennedy Smith, attended the ceremony as a special guest of honour and performed the unveiling of the statue dedicated to her late brother.
Jean Kennedy Smith commented during the ceremony on her brother's visit to Ireland, "It was the first time a sitting American president had visited Ireland. He enjoyed his trip to Ireland more than any other of his presidency. There was no doubt in any of our minds just how much of an impact that trip had on him."
She went on to say about her brother, Senator Ted Kennedy, who is recovering from serious brain surgery, "He's good, he's terrific, he has a great sense of humour, he's strong, everything has gone as hoped."
Following the unveiling, at the Kennedy Homestead, Dunganstown, an afternoon tea party was hosted by the Irish branch of the Kennedy family. It was here that President Kennedy was guest of honour at a tea party hosted by his Irish relatives and friends during his visit.
|
