It's a particular pleasure to be here, with you, on your first St. Patrick's Day as President of the United States.
Today is one of celebration.
In Ireland and throughout the world, Irish people of all traditions and religions come together on St. Patrick's Day, to honor their native land and their shared heritage. We are joined by many millions of Irish decent, especially here in the United States. And we are happy to welcome those who just want the privilege of being Irish for the day. Today we also remember St. Patrick, himself. We remember that he first came to Ireland as an exile in a strange land.