Bruton lays wreaths on headstones of Irish frontier soldiers

EU ambassador to the United States John Bruton has placed wreaths on the headstones of five Irish frontier soldiers at a restored military post.

Former Taoiseach John Bruton honoured the soldiers during a visit to the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark in San Angelo, Texas.

“I’m aware of how many Irish people found a way of making a life in other countries by serving in the armed forces,” said Mr Bruton. “Today we recognise that the heroism of these people is being honoured.”

Mr Bruton said in today’s San Angelo Standard-Times that it was important to remember those who were foreign-born and helped settle the American frontier.

While the grave sites of the five Irish soldiers killed in the Indian wars of the 1870s are unknown, the headstones commemorating their sacrifice are located between the headquarters and quartermaster buildings at the east end of the parade ground. The post closed in 1889.

Mr Bruton was in San Angelo as part of a three-day visit and planned to participate in a round-table discussion today on health care, immigration and trade policy.

On another subject yesterday, Mr Bruton said wind energy is important as a renewable resource and that people must learn to love wind turbines that some see as unsightly.

He said people must accept that “function is beauty”.