Washington held its annual St Patrick's Day Parade yesterday in blustery weather.
Thousands of onlookers gathered along the route on Constitution Avenue for the three-hour procession of bands, floats, dancers, musicians, wolfhounds and military contingents.
This year's Chief Marshal was the Derry-born film and TV actress, Roma Downey, star of the TV series Touched By An Angel. With her on the reviewing stand was the Ambassador to Washington, Mr Sean O hUiginn.
The Gael of the Year was Mr Frank J. Herbert, who helped set up the first union of mechanics recognised by the US government.
President Clinton has proclaimed March as "Irish-American Heritage Month, 2000." Referring to the Belfast Agreement, he said: "America remains committed to the Irish people as they continue working to forge a brighter future in their own land. The road ahead is long, but the promise of peace is still within reach, and its rewards are great."
The Vice-President, Mr Al Gore, marched in the Chicago St Patrick's parade on Saturday.