Washington Monument Plaque
This year when the Washington Monument reopens it will have a new feature, a very special feature for the many in America who see themselves as Irish and all the Irish who travel to Washington DC. The Thomas F. Meagher Foundation were delighted to work with the United States National Parks to ensure the Washington Monument will receive a commemorative plaque from the President of Ireland on behalf of the people of Ireland in recognition of the long and enduring relationship between Ireland and the United States. The plaque will be located among the 193 commemorative stones donated to honour George Washington located on the monument’s interior walls.
This is a great honour exemplified by the fact that only five plaques have been placed in the Monument in the last 75 years. The Washington Monument contains commemorative and memorial stones received from all 50 states; scores of fraternal and community organisations, cities and towns across America; and only 16 foreign countries. The majority of stones were received between 1849 and 1855, although the most recent new donation was accepted in 1982 (from the state of Alaska). Memorial stones are now accepted only in very rare circumstances, such as the admission of a new state to the union or replacement of a previously donated stone. The offer of a plaque from Ireland was accepted after ensuring it met proper criteria for inclusion in the Washington Monument, and review and approval by the director of the National Park Service. The plaque itself includes a replica of the 1916 proclamation and references Thomas F. Meagher and his legacy.
Continuing their partnership with the GPO Witness History, the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation will be adding to their existing exhibition by placing a replica of the plaque for the Washington Monument there.