**Former US President Barack Obama Presented with the Freedom of the City of Dublin**
On Thursday, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, formally conferred the Freedom of the City of Dublin on former US President Barack Obama. This prestigious honor recognizes President Obama’s historic achievements, his steadfast commitment to equality, and his enduring contributions to public life.
The Freedom of the City is Dublin’s highest civic honour, reserved for individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the world and whose values reflect those cherished by the people of Dublin.
Speaking at the ceremony, Councillor Ray McAdam said:
“It is my great honour, on behalf of the citizens of Dublin, to confer the Freedom of the City upon President Barack Obama. This award recognises not only his remarkable achievements as President of the United States, but also his steadfast commitment to democracy, equality, and the power of community.
“President Obama has inspired millions around the world with his leadership and his vision for a fairer, more compassionate society. It is fitting that Dublin now welcomes him as a Freeman of our city.
“In honouring President Obama, I want to link his legacy to my agenda for a Living City, an Active City, and an Engaged City. His story reminds us that politics, when driven by hope, can change lives and open doors of opportunity — a message Dubliners can understand and share.”
During the short ceremony, President Obama signed the Roll of Honour and was presented with several gifts by the Lord Mayor, including a First Edition of *Ulysses* (American Edition) by James Joyce, a bottle of Dublin whiskey by Teelings, and a commemorative scroll featuring calligraphy by Aoife Lyons.
In response, President Obama said:
“To Lord Mayor McAdam, Former Lord Mayor Carr, the Dublin City Council, and the citizens of Dublin: on behalf of Michelle and myself, I accept this honor with deep humility.
“These are, undoubtedly, times of great challenge and great change. But it is in moments like these that we are reminded of who we truly are.
“We are people, the Irish and Americans, who never stop imagining a brighter future for us all.
“That defiant, enduring hope has always been an unshakeable bond that connects our two countries, and so many others around the world. May we continue to strengthen those ties, and keep working to make our world a little more just, more equal, more prosperous, and more free.”
Only 88 people have ever received the Freedom of the City since it was first awarded in 1876. Previous recipients include US Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton. International leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Mikhail Gorbachev have also been honored, alongside sporting heroes like Jack Charlton, Ronnie Delaney, and Kellie Harrington.
Michelle Obama was also awarded the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin in 2017 alongside her husband.
The Government was represented at Thursday’s ceremony by Minister Paschal Donohoe.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/former-us-president-barack-obama-recieves-freedom-of-the-city-of-dublin-1811110.html
