Transcript - Remarks: Donald Trump at Friends of Ireland Luncheon - March 16, 2017

Donald Trump

00:00:00 - 00:00:09 (9 sec)

Thank you very much, Speaker Ryan, for that wonderful toast, although I've heard better jokes. [Applause]

Donald Trump

00:00:09 - 00:00:33 (24 sec)

And thank you to all of our friends and distinguished members of Congress for joining us here today. Great honor. And a really great honor to be with you, Vice President Pence... [Applause]

Donald Trump

00:00:33 - 00:00:45 (12 sec)

... and all of our friends welcoming Taoiseach. That's my new friend, my new friend. This is a great guy. [Applause]

Donald Trump

00:00:45 - 00:00:54 (9 sec)

And Enda -- you know, you are something very special. We saw -- we talked, and I think we'll -- we're friends now, too. Right? And it's really an honor. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause]

Donald Trump

00:00:54 - 00:01:02 (8 sec)

Thanks, Enda. Appreciate it.

Donald Trump

00:01:02 - 00:01:19 (17 sec)

Also the delegation members, very, very special. Spent some time together and we're going to have a very, very great long-term relationship, a we would with Ireland anyway, but this is a very special group. So I very much appreciate it.

Donald Trump

00:01:19 - 00:01:36 (17 sec)

We're here today to celebrate America's commitment to Ireland and the tremendous contributions, and I know it well, the Irish immigrants and their descendants have made right here in the United States and throughout the world.

Donald Trump

00:01:36 - 00:02:08 (32 sec)

The very first St. Patrick's Day parade -- I've spent a lot of time at St. Patrick's Days parades over the years, I will tell you that, was held in my home town, New York City, on March 17th, 1762. With each subsequent year, the Irish people marched, passed another accomplishment, and celebrated another very hard-earned success. And they have had tremendous success all over the world, but in this country they have had tremendous success.

Donald Trump

00:02:08 - 00:02:35 (27 sec)

Over the years, they marched past the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral, now an immortal monument to the faith of Irish Catholics in America. They celebrated their shared success in American society with the election of John F. Kennedy. [Applause]

Donald Trump

00:02:35 - 00:03:03 (28 sec)

They fought for America in war, in combat, and their battlefield courage has earned admiration and acclaim throughout the world. They have great courage. The proud tradition that started in 1762 has flourished and is now celebrated by Americans of all faiths and backgrounds all across our very beautiful and very special land.

Donald Trump

00:03:03 - 00:03:28 (25 sec)

As we stand together with our Irish friends, I'm reminded of that proverb -- and this is a good one. This is one I like. I've heard it for many, many years and I love it -- "Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue, but never forget to remember those that have stuck by you."

Donald Trump

00:03:28 - 00:03:34 (6 sec)

We know that, politically speaking. A lot of us know that. We know it well. [Applause]

Donald Trump

00:03:34 - 00:03:36 (2 sec)

It's a great phrase.

Donald Trump

00:03:36 - 00:03:49 (13 sec)

The people of Ireland and the people of the United States have stuck together through good times and bad times. Over many centuries, we have built a bond that thrives, inspires and endures.

Donald Trump

00:03:49 - 00:03:58 (9 sec)

And with us, it's gonna be closer than ever before, I can tell you that. [Applause]

Donald Trump

00:03:58 - 00:04:15 (17 sec)

So, as we celebrate our shared history and our enduring friendship, let us commit ourselves to working together, as we will, to build on that bond to the benefit of our citizens for many more generations to come.

Donald Trump

00:04:15 - 00:04:26 (11 sec)

Thank you. God bless you. And may God always bless our deep and lasting friendship and relationship.

Donald Trump

00:04:26 - 00:04:40 (14 sec)

We love Ireland and we love the people of Ireland. Thank you very much for being here. [Applause]