President McAleese is to celebrate her first St Patrick’s Day abroad since taking office when she visits New York next week.
The President usually celebrates the day in Dublin but this year’s visit is to honour the Irish-American fire-fighters and police officers who lost their lives on September 11th and those involved in the rescue operation after the attack on the World Trade Centre.
The trip was originally planned for October. It was postponed because the President felt the police and security resources needed to protect her would be better employed in the rescue operation at Ground Zero, her spokeswoman said.
During her six-day visit, the President will visit Ground Zero and is due to meet Governor of New York, Mr Pataki and the Mayor of New York, Mr Bloomberg.
President McAleese will also take part in the St Patrick's Day festivities on Saturday March 16th including New York’s famous parade and a number of Irish-American receptions.
St Patrick’s Day itself will see the President go to Yonkers where she will visit the Aisling Irish Centre and attend a Wild Geese dinner.
During her trip, she will also present the Irish-American Magazine awards, attend a Co-operation Ireland dinner to assist Tourism Ireland and an economic function to support Irish trade efforts, her spokeswoman said.
President McAleese will attend a special ceremony to honour Irish fire-fighters who were on the front-line on September 11th.