For a better future, study the past.
For a better future, study the past.
During a visit to Belfast, Northern Ireland several years ago, we by chance stayed in the same hotel where United States President Bill Clinton had stayed during a November 1995 visit. We later came across other references to his visit while wandering the beautiful city. These occurrences prompted me to discover why President Clinton had been visiting. Read along to discover more about this chance crossing of paths, thirty years later, and President Clinton’s “Remarks at the Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall.”
During our visit we had made reservations to stay at the Hotel Europa and couldn’t have been happier with our decision. The location was convenient and safe. The staff were wonderful to deal with, they were always courteous and helpful. The property itself was clean and inviting.
The Europa has been a Belfast destination for more than 50 years. With almost 300 rooms, including many suites, this 4-star property features an on-site bistro, bar, and piano lounge, making it the perfect destination to return to after a day of sightseeing. For a great price on reservations at the Europa Hotel, use THIS LINK.
Visits by the president and his entourage are always full, time constrained, and stressful for the president, their handlers, and those working to make the visit a success. Bill Clinton’s visit to Belfast in November 1995 was no different as shown from the official itinerary.
President and Mrs. Clinton left their London accommodation by helicopter for Heathrow Airport at 7:30 a.m., departing at 8:05, and arriving at Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove Airport as shown on the itinerary) at 9:10 a.m. for a full day of events.
The president and Mrs. Clinton arrived at the Mackie International Plant at 9:55, giving a speech at around 10:45. You may learn more about his visit to Mackie International using THIS LINK. President Clinton departed at 11:40, arriving at the East Belfast Enterprise Park for a photo opportunity and brief meeting with tenants and managers from this business park and others. The president departs, arriving at City Airport at 1:15 p.m. for a flight aboard Marine One to the City of Derry Airport, arriving at 2:05 local time.
President and first lady, Bill and Hillary Clinton arrive at Londonderry Guildhall at 2:35, participating in a presentation with remarks from the local mayor, John Kerr, John Hume, concluding with the president. The Clintons were then whisked away to a receiving line with members of the Tip O’Neil family and representatives or the American Ireland Fund, before at 4:20, participating in a reception for the inauguration of the Tip O’Neil Chair for Peace Studies at the University of Ulster Guildhall. After participating in press and staff photos, the first family depart for the Derry Airport, arriving at 5:25 for their return flight to Belfast, landing at 6:10 that evening.
The whirlwind day continued with a fast drive to Belfast City Hall, arriving at 6:30 before participating in the tree lighting ceremony that took place from 7:00 until 7:45. The Clinton’s then participated in a receiving line for members of the Belfast City Council before departing at 8:25 en route to Queens University where they were guests at a reception hosted by Sir Patrick and Lady Mayhew. Sir Patrick Mayhew and President Clinton both made remarks during the reception, before the president and first lady worked a reception line.
Before leaving Queens University, Sir Gordon Beveridge, Vice Chancellor, Queens University, invited President Clinton to sign a scroll commemorating the 150th anniversary of the university, which the president dutifully did.
With their long day complete, the president and first lady departed Queens University at 10:00, arriving at the Europa Hotel only minutes later. A nearly fifteen hour day, not including morning and evening preparations, meetings, and studying, was complete.
Source: “Schedule for the President for Thursday, November 30, 1995 Final,” Clinton Digital Library, accessed February 18, 2025, https://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/57321.
Special Note: Today, Queens University is home to the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute. The William J Clinton Leadership Institute was founded in 2011 to support and develop the leadership skills of the Northern Ireland business community, as part of their commitment as a university to the pathway to peace.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Eric Smyth, Mrs. Frances Smyth,
Ladies and gentlemen, I have run for election many times in my home state of Arkansas and of course throughout the United States when I sought the Presidency–and I have face some tough competition. But never have I confronted challengers with the name recognition, the media savvy, and the martial arts ability of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. To all of you whose support enabled me to join you tonight, I extend my heartfelt thanks.
I understand the city of Belfast has held a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony for more than 20 years–but this year the occasion is especially joyous, because you are entering your second Christmas of peace.
Now people can do their holiday shopping without worrying about searches or bombs, visit their loved ones on the other side of the border without the burden of checkpoints or roadblocks, enjoy the sparkling lights of the city without fearing violence. Peace has brought real change to people’s lives.
Across the ocean, the American people are rejoicing along with you. We are joined to you by strong ties of community, commerce, and culture. Over the years, men and women of both traditions have flourished in America and helped America to flourish.
And today, the people of our lands re forging new and special bonds. Belfast’s sister city, Nashville, Tennessee, was proud to send this Christmas tree to friends across the Atlantic. I want to thank Vice President Gore, Mayor Bredeson of Nashville, and the U.S. Air Force for making it happen.
In this 50th anniversary year of the end of World War II, many Americans still remember the warmth the people of Northern Ireland showed the American Army forces that were stationed here under General Eisenhower.
The people of Belfast named General Eisenhower an Honorary Burgess of the city who viewed the honor bestowed on him “as a token of our common purpose to work together for a better world.” That mission endures today. We remain partners for security, partners for prosperity, and most important, partners for peace.
Two years ago, at this very spot, tens of thousands of you took part in a day for peace, as a response to some of the worst violence Northern Ireland had known in recent years.
The two morning newspapers, representing both traditions, sponsored a telephone poll for peace that generated almost 160,000 calls–the equivalent of 25 million calls in the United States. The response left no doubt that across Northern Ireland, the desire for peace was becoming a demand.
I am honored to announce today that those same two newspapers–The News Letter and The Irish News–have established the President’s Prize, an annual award to those at the grassroots level who have contributed most to peace and reconciliation.
The honorees will travel to the United State to exchange experiences on issues we share–such as community relations and conflict resolution. We all have much to learn from each other.
The President’s Prize will underscore that Northern Ireland’s two traditions have a common interest in peace.
As you know, I have received thousands of letters from school children from all over Northern Ireland, telling me what peace means to them.. The letters poured in from villages and cities, from Catholic communities and Protestant communities, from mixed schools, primary schools, and schools for children with special needs. All of he letters were wonderful–for their honesty, their simple wisdom, and their passion.
Many of the children showed tremendous pride in their homeland–in its beauty, and in its true nature. Eleven year old Keith from Carrickfergus wrote: “Please tell everyone in American that we are not always fighting here and that it is only a small number of people who make trouble.” Like many of the children, Keith did not identify himself as Protestant or Catholic, and did not distinguish between violent forces on either side.
So many children told me of loved ones they had lost–of lives disrupted, opportunities forsaken, and families forced to move. Yet, they showed remarkable courage and strength–and a commitment to overcome the past. As 14 year old Sharon of County Armagh wrote, “Both sides have been hurt, both sides must forgive.”
Despite extraordinary hardships so many of these children have faced, their letters were full of hope and humor and love.
To all of you who took the time to share your thoughts with me, thank you for brightening my holiday season with your words of faith and courage.
To all of you who asked me to do what I could to help the peace take root, I pledge America’s support. We will continue to stand with those who take risks for peace. We will work with you to give all of Northern’ Ireland’s children the chance to make the most of their God given potential.
And to 13 year old Ryan of Belfast, if you’re out there: No, an alien spacecraft did not crash in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. And if the U.S. Air Force recovered alien bodies and didn’t tell anyone about it, it’s news to me.
Ladies and gentlemen, may the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill flourish and grow in your land.
May the prophecy of Isaiah be realized here: “…ye shall go out with joy and be led forward with peace: The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
And may the lights on the tree that we celebrate tonight reflect the kindling of hope and faith in our hearts for a peaceful Northern Ireland.
Source: National Security Council and NSC Records Management System, “Remarks at Christmas Tree Lighting City Hall, Belfast, Northern Irelenad,” Clinton Digital Library, accessed February 18, 2025, https://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/57453.
The city of Belfast is rightfully proud of this important presidential visit. Today, visitors can remember the visit with a historic marker placed at Belfast City Hall.
