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US politicians attend Gordon Lyons' event to celebrate NI links

March 19, 2026

Northern Ireland's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons organized a Washington gathering attended by over 200 people, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and senior politicians from both major US parties, to commemorate Ulster's historical connections to the signing of the American Declaration of Independence. The event highlighted how individuals from Ulster, including Strabane-born printer John Dunlap and several declaration signatories with family roots in the region, played significant roles in this pivotal American moment 250 years ago. With more than 25 million Americans claiming Scots Irish or Ulster Scots heritage, the celebration underscores the enduring transatlantic relationship.

Who is affected

  • More than 25 million Americans who identify as Scots Irish or Ulster Scots
  • Communities in Northern Ireland with historical connections to the American founding
  • Senior US Republican and Democrat politicians
  • Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
  • Communities Minister Gordon Lyons
  • The America250 Commission and its executive vice president Jen Condon

What action is being taken

  • A gathering in Washington is being held with more than 200 attendees to commemorate Ulster's links to the Declaration of Independence
  • A series of concerts, exhibitions, cultural displays and theatre productions are being planned for this summer
  • A funding programme for local projects in Northern Ireland is supporting efforts to highlight Ulster-Scots and Irish contributions to the US founding

Why it matters

  • This celebration is significant because it recognizes the substantial historical contribution of Ulster immigrants to America's founding, including John Dunlap who printed the first copies of the Declaration of Independence and multiple signatories with Ulster family roots. The event strengthens the ongoing relationship between the United States and Northern Ireland by honoring shared values and historical connections that continue to influence both communities. With 25 million Americans claiming this heritage, these ties represent an important part of both American and Ulster identity.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC