In 1952, Ireland's ambassador to Washington kicked off what became an annual custom by sending President Harry Truman a box of shamrocks. Four years later, the first St. Patrick's Day meeting between an American President and the Irish Taoiseach took place at the White House.

By the 1990s, a St. Patrick's Day visit from the leader of Ireland had become an annual tradition.

The Taoiseach's visit offers a moment to reflect on the importance of the Irish people and their descendants to American history. To that end, President Trump declared March 2018 as Irish-American Heritage Month. "For centuries, the tenacious Irish spirit, paired with American self-reliance, has helped Irish immigrants and their descendants realize incredible dreams," the President wrote. "With religious devotion, strength rooted in the love of family, and confidence in the promise of America, Irish Americans have engaged in the American experience in robust and meaningful ways."

These contributions date back to our Nation's beginning. At least eight signers of the Declaration of Independence, including four of the Founding Fathers, had Irish roots.

Presidents Andrew Jackson, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan all traced their ancestry back to Ireland. Today, no fewer than 33 million Americans claim Irish origins, including Vice President Mike Pence.

"My grandfather was very typical of the millions that would come to these shores. He embodied all that's best about the Irish—sturdy work ethic, faith in God, love of family, patriotism," the Vice President said. "And those are the enduring contributions of people of Irish descent in the history of this country."

During his visit, Taoiseach Varadkar plans to promote Ireland and Irish businesses, as well as continue to deepen his country's connection to its American ally.

"As we spend this month honoring Irish Americans, we also pledge to further strengthen our relationship with the Emerald Isle itself," President Trump wrote in this month's Proclamation. "We look forward to a bright future of greater friendship, cooperation, and commerce for centuries to come."

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Barron Trump Is 'Very Close' to Salvation, Says Pastor Who Had Midnight Call With the First Son

'Country Ever After' Star Loses 7-Year Battle to Colon Cancer: 'Slipped Into the Arms of Jesus'

FBI Warns About Ransom Scams Involving Fake 'Proof of Life' Photos

The Hill: Somali Scandal Could Sink Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's Political Career

ICE Warns Illinois Is Releasing Violent Criminal Illegal Aliens Despite Detainers: 'They're Deciding that Dangerous Criminals ... Are More Important Than the Families That Live Here'

Inflation Lower than Expected, New BEA Report Reveals, Sparking Fed Rate-Cut Hopes

Nigeria Secures Release of 100 Schoolchildren Abducted from Catholic School after Weeks in Captivity

US Supreme Court Approves Lone Star State's New Congressional Maps

Street Preacher's Arrest in Mississippi Sparks Supreme Court Case on Free Speech Rights

Trump Offers Plan for Healthcare Cost Crisis, GOP Senator Vows 'We're Going to Fix Obamacare'

Nigerian Persecution Horror: Expert Dismantles Disturbing Media Narrative

Man Dies on Operating Table, Meets Jesus, Sees Heaven; Stunned Doctor Says: 'God's Not Done with You'

Florida Moves to Redistrict in Congressional Maps Arms Race

Maduro's Ex-Insider Turns Whistleblower, Sends President Trump an Explosive Letter

Experts Warn Parents AI Christmas Toys Put Kids at Risk: 'Trouble in Toyland' [Video]

Pete Hegseth to Bring Christmas Back to the Pentagon: Blaze Exclusive

Iryna's Law Needs to Be Replicated Around the Country

Navy Admiral Set to Testify on Capitol Hill About Drug Boat Strike in Caribbean That Killed Survivors

DOJ: University of Delaware Student Allegedly Plotted Attack on Campus Police; Illegal Weapons Recovered

'Unbelievable Revival': God Is Moving with Power in Transnistria Despite Russia's Heavy Hand [Video]