Irish America 250 Launches to Honor Stephen Moylan, Revolutionary Hero

Irish America 250, an initiative aimed at celebrating the significant contributions of Irish Americans over the past 250 years, will officially launch a national kick-off event in Pennsylvania on January 14, 2024. This event will honor Stephen Moylan, a Cork native and former aide-de-camp to General George Washington, who is credited by historians as the first individual to use the phrase “The United States of America” in a letter dated January 2, 1776.

Moylan played a vital role during the American Revolutionary War, serving in various capacities such as the 2nd Quartermaster General and Commander of the Fourth Continental Light Dragoons. His contributions were pivotal in shaping the early military framework of the Continental Army.

The kick-off event will take place at the Topper Theater within the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts at Villanova University. Co-hosted by the Friendly Sons and Daughters of Saint Patrick, this gathering will mark the beginning of a series of events dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July 2026. A subsequent tribute to Moylan is scheduled for January 30 in his home county of Cork, where Taoiseach Micheál Martin is expected to be in attendance.

Commemorating Irish Contributions to America

Irish America 250 is designed as an inclusive, non-partisan effort to recognize the enduring legacy of the Irish in America. The initiative aims to engage communities nationwide as it prepares for the Semiquincentennial celebration. Organizers emphasize the importance of telling the story of the Ulster Scots, who fled Northern Ireland in the early 1700s and played a crucial role in the founding of the nation.

The group has collaborated with Irish cultural and community centers across the United States to ensure a comprehensive commemoration of Irish contributions. “The Irish were there at the beginning of the birth of the nation,” the organizers noted. They hope to use this occasion to not only celebrate their heritage but also to pass on cultural values to future generations, reinforcing the foundations of democracy.

Collaborative Efforts for a Meaningful Commemoration

In the past few months, Irish America 250 has engaged with various stakeholders, including the Irish government, the Northern Ireland Executive, and the America250 Commission. This collaborative approach aims to create a meaningful and accurate narrative of Irish contributions to American history. The initiative is consulting historians from both sides of the Atlantic to ensure the stories shared are well-researched and reflective of the true impact of the Irish community.

The project has been made possible through voluntary contributions from its directors, who are committed to the mission without compensation. Irish America 250 is an established LLC in Maryland, and all donations made to support the initiative are tax-deductible. As preparations for the 250th anniversary progress, the organization is focused on uniting communities to reflect on the rich history shared between Ireland and the United States.