Ambassador Michael Collins has welcomed West Point alumni to the Embassy, as well as Ireland Reunions founder, Certificate of Heritage Affiliated Genealogist and West Point alumnus, Mike Healy.

IrelandReunions.com organises gatherings in Ireland for West Point alumni. The West Point USMA Class of the 1969 was the first to have their reunion in Killarney, County Kerry last June.

Ambassador Collins said “I am delighted to welcome West Point alumni to the Embassy. Since the founding of this country, the Irish have played a significant role in the US military, as they have in all walks of life here – little wonder as almost 40 million Americans claim Irish ancestry.”

The Ambassador also highlighted that there is no better time to visit Ireland than 2013, the year of the Gathering - an invitation to anyone Irish born, bred or in spirit to visit Ireland and join in the celebrations.

In addition, Ambassador Collins presented a Certificate of Irish Heritage to Ambassador Robert Kimmitt, a distinguished graduate of West Point.  The Certificate is recognition by the Irish Government of Ambassador Kimmitt’s Irish heritage.