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SCR24 • 2025

HONORING IRELAND’S ROLE IN THE UNITED STATES WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.

HONORING IRELAND’S ROLE IN THE UNITED STATES WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Walsh
Last action
2025-03-13
Official status
Passed 3/13/25
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify any direct impact on the state or its government beyond expressing recognition.

Honoring Ireland's Role in America's Fight for Freedom

A resolution that acknowledges and celebrates Ireland's support during the American Revolution.

What This Bill Does

  • Recognizes Maurice O'Brien of Cork, Ireland, and his sons capturing the HMS Margaretta and two additional British warships.
  • Honors Irish soldiers who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775.
  • Commends Captain Ebenezer Sullivan and his brothers for their contributions to the revolution.
  • Pays tribute to John Barry, known as the Father of the American Navy, for his service during the war.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People from Ireland who supported or fought in the American Revolution

Terms To Know

War of Independence
Another name for the American Revolutionary War, which was a fight against British rule.
Resolution
A formal statement by a government body expressing an opinion or decision.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This resolution does not provide any financial support or legal changes.
  • It only expresses appreciation for Ireland's role in the American Revolution and has no further action required after passing both chambers of Delaware’s General Assembly.

Bill History

  1. 2025-03-13 Delaware General Assembly

    Introduced in Senate

  2. 2025-03-13 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

  3. 2025-03-13 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed In House by Voice Vote

Official Summary Text

HONORING IRELAND’S ROLE IN THE UNITED STATES WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes and honors Ireland’s contributions to the United States War of Independence.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Walsh & Rep. Griffith

Sens. Hansen, Hoffner, Huxtable, Lockman, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Poore, Sokola, Townsend, Wilson; Reps. Bolden, Burns, Collins, K. Johnson, Romer, Ross Levin, Snyder-Hall, K. Williams, Wilson-Anton, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 24

HONORING IRELAND’S ROLE IN THE UNITED STATES WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.

WHEREAS, the American War of Independence began in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord, marking the start of a global struggle for freedom and self-determination; and

WHEREAS, in May 1775, Maurice O'Brien of Cork, Ireland, and his 5 sons captured the HMS Margaretta, marking a significant naval victory, followed by the capture of 2 additional British warships; and

WHEREAS, at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, Irish and Irish American soldiers, including notable officers such as Colonel John Stark and Major Andrew McClary of County Tyrone, played pivotal roles, with many making the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, Irish-born Captain Ebenezer Sullivan and his brothers James and John contributed to the revolution, with James serving as governor of Massachusetts and John as a general who led the successful expulsion of British troops from Boston on St. Patrick’s Day in 1776; and

WHEREAS, John Barry of County Wexford, Ireland, known as the Father of the American Navy, received the first naval commission from President George Washington and commanded the U.S.S. Lexington in December 1775; and

WHEREAS, Ireland drew inspiration from the American Revolution in its own pursuit of independence, fostering enduring ties of shared values and mutual support between the two nations.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that Ireland’s contributions to the United States War of Independence are hereby recognized and honored.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a duly certified copy of this resolution be sent to the United States Senators and Member of the House of Representatives from this State, as well as to the American Ireland State Legislators Caucus.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes and honors Ireland’s contributions to the United States War of Independence.

Author: Senator Walsh