Recalling JFK’s Irish visit

Sir, – I look forward to seeingThe Irish Times special commemorative magazine on Wednesday, June 19th.

In 1963, after carefully considering what gift he would bring to Ireland, JFK presented the flag of the Fighting 69th (Irish) Brigade of New York State to the joint houses of the Oireachtas.

This was “in recognition of what gallant Irishmen” had done for his country. Today, the flag remains hiding behind a curtain at the bottom of a staircase in Dáil Éireann. One has to stand half way up the stair to view it and the detail is distorted by the reflection of a chandelier in the glass.

In this year of The Gathering, wouldn’t it be appropriately displayed by the National Museum in Collins Barracks where Irish, Americans, etc, could view it? – Yours, etc,

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FERGUS CLANCY,

St Canice’s Road,

Dublin 11.