US politicians attend Gordon Lyons' event to celebrate NI links

Senior US Republican and Democrat politicians have turned out to celebrate Northern Ireland's links to a key moment in American history.

They joined more than 200 people at a gathering in Washington to remember those from Ulster involved in the signing of the American Declaration of Independence 250 years ago.

Among those present was former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

The event was organised by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.

"The signing of the Declaration of Independence was both a defining moment in American history and an important chapter in the long relationship between Ulster and the United States," he said.

"From its earliest days America has been shaped by people who crossed oceans in search of new opportunities – including thousands from the shores of Ulster."

Lyons added that more than 25 million Americans identify as Scots Irish or Ulster Scots.

The first copies of the declaration were printed by Strabane man John Dunlap.

While several signatories to the declaration had family roots in Ulster.

A series of concerts, exhibitions, cultural displays and theatre productions have been planned this summer to celebrate the US links.

Jen Condon, Executive Vice President of the America250 Commission, said it was important to celebrate the connections with Ulster.

"Our nations share deep historical ties and values that continue to shape our communities today," she said

"Gatherings like this reminds us that the story of America has always been connected to the people and traditions that crossed the Atlantic and helped build our country."

Earlier this year, Lyons announced a funding programme for local projects in Northern Ireland to highlight the significant contributions of Ulster-Scots and Irish settlers, thinkers and politicians to the founding of the US.