New York: Minister for Transport Martin Cullen has welcomed back US troops from Iraq at a wreath-laying ceremony in New York.
At a ceremony that included both US and Irish troops, Mr Cullen said it was an honour to represent the Government in commemorating members of the US 69th Infantry, which lost 19 members during combat in Iraq.
Flanked by US soldiers wearing desert camouflage, the Minister said Ireland was especially proud of the contribution made by many Irish men and women to the uniformed services of New York and the US.
The ceremony took place at the Fr Duffy statue in Times Square, a memorial to an Irish priest who worked in Manhattan. It featured bagpipers from the Irish Army's 28th Infantry.
Members of New York's 69th Infantry who recently returned from Iraq will lead today's St Patrick's Day parade in the city. Four bronze star medals and three purple hearts will be awarded to 69th Iraq veterans at a ceremony immediately after the parade.