Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister said the events of September 11th have deepened the bond between Ireland and the US.
Mr Mark Durkan made his comments at a pre-St Patrick's parade lunch in St Louis. He is to be guest of honour at the event.
The SDLP leader paid tribute to those who died in the attacks and especially the members of the emergency services who gave their lives for others.
Recalling a visit to the Ground Zero site in New York last month with First Minister Mr David Trimble, Mr Durkan said: "In the midst of your recent tragedy here, the closeness of the community that is Irish America to ourselves in Ireland is all too obvious - among the workers in the buildings, among their rescuers, the firemen and the police and among their clergy.
"Last month I was in New York. When I was there, I visited a small firehouse in Chelsea.
"The nephew of our Minister for Culture in Northern Ireland worked there. With pride and sorrow, he showed us around the place where five of his deceased colleagues had also worked. It brought home to me not only the scale of the loss but also the depth of the bond between America and all parts of Ireland."
Mr Durkan and his wife Jackie are to join New York policeman Mr Michael Keenan and fireman Mr William Whelan at the head of the St Louis parade.
Both were part of the rescue operation on September 11th during the double attack on the World Trade Centre.
Around 300,000 people are expected to watch the march which features 110 floats.
The Deputy First Minister also told guests at the lunch that Northern Ireland owed a great debt to Irish America for its support during the Troubles and for helping guide it towards peace.
PA