'Ulster Presbyterians helped shape the values and institutions of the young republic': Northern Ireland can take great pride in the part our people played in the life of America, says UUP in US250 celebrations
On independence day, Northern Ireland should take pride in the part Ulster people played in the story of America.
That’s according to the UUP’s deputy leader, Diana Armstrong, who pointed to the many Ulster folk involved at key stages of the birth of the United States, 250 years ago.
As the major anniversary’s July 4 celebrations got into swing, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA told the News Letter: “We in Northern Ireland can take great pride in the part our people played in the American story.
"It was a Strabane man, John Dunlap, who printed the declaration of independence, and it was Ulster Presbyterians who helped shape the values and institutions of the young republic. As many as 17 US presidents trace their roots to this soil.”
Historic bonds between Ulster and the United States dating back to the very first days of the nation in 1776 were strengthened during the Second World War, she added, when thousands of American servicemen were stationed here before shipping out to the front in Europe.
“Those bonds remain strong today,” she said. “The United States is one of our most important economic partners, with American firms among the largest investors in Northern Ireland, supporting thousands of jobs in communities right across our province.
“This anniversary is an opportunity not only to celebrate a shared history and heritage, but to look forward. Northern Ireland has so much to offer, and I want to see us build on our transatlantic relationships to attract further investment, grow our economy and deepen the friendship between our two peoples for generations to come.
“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I wish all our American friends a very happy independence say.”