President de Valera makes a speech formally welcoming President Kennedy to Ireland and President Kennedy replies.
Addressing him in both Irish and English, de Valera welcomes him as the first citizen of The United States, as the representative of the country of in which many Irish people sought refuge and found a home, and as a distinguished Irishman.
In his response, President Kennedy highlights the many reasons for accepting the invitation to visit Ireland, including the global role of the Irish diaspora, his admiration for President de Valera and the historic role the Irish have played as soldiers and churchmen. President Kennedy finally points to the generosity of his own country in welcoming immigrants from so many different countries.
