THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. This important anniversary is being planned by a special group called the America 250 Commission. In November 2025, this commission visited Belfast, Northern Ireland. But why Belfast? The answer lies in the forgotten story of how Irish people helped create America.
Irish Signers of the Declaration
When most people think about the Declaration of Independence, they picture famous Americans like John Adams or Benjamin Franklin. However, three of the men who signed this historic document were actually born in Ireland.
1. James Smith was born in Ireland around 1719 and later moved to Pennsylvania.
2. Thomas McKean had a father who came from County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
3. Charles Carroll came from a noble Irish family with roots in County Tipperary.
These three men put their names on one of the most important documents in world history.
The Great Migration
The Irish connection to America goes much deeper than just three signatures. During the 1700s, more than 250,000 people left Northern Ireland and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to America. This was a massive number of people for that time period.
These Irish immigrants didn’t just arrive and settle quietly. They brought with them strong ideas about freedom, independence, and standing up to unfair government. Many had experienced religious discrimination and economic hardship back home. When they arrived in America, they were ready to fight for a better life.
Why This Matters Today
The America250 Commission visited Belfast to recognize this important historical connection. On November 3-4, 2025, Commissioner Joe Crowley and Executive Vice President Jen Condon came to Northern Ireland. They signed a special agreement called a Memorandum of Understanding with local leaders.
This agreement means that Northern Ireland will be officially included in America’s 250th birthday celebrations. It acknowledges that America’s independence wasn’t just an American story—it was also an Irish story.
The Bigger Picture
The Irish who came to America in the 1700s helped shape the country in many ways. They settled frontier lands, fought in the Revolutionary War, and brought their culture and values to their new home. Their belief in freedom and their willingness to challenge authority became part of America’s founding spirit.
When we look at the Declaration of Independence, we often focus on the words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” But we should also remember the diverse group of people who supported these words, including the Irish immigrants who risked everything for a new beginning.
Conclusion
The America250 Commission’s visit to Belfast reminds us that history is connected across oceans. The fight for American independence had roots in Ireland, and Irish people played a direct role in creating the United States. As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, it’s fitting to remember and honor the Irish contribution to this great moment in history.
This connection between Ireland and America continues today, showing how the bonds formed centuries ago still matter in our modern world.
References
1.https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/declaration-of-independence-irish-signatories
2.https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/irish-facts-us-independence
3.https://www.4ni.co.uk/northern-ireland-news/324308/us-commission-to-formally-mark-ni-s-role-in-america250
