According to records the ceremony first began in 1952 when the Irish Ambassador to the United States John Joseph Hearne sent a box of shamrock to President Truman at the White House.

President Truman was out of town at the time, but later sent a message back to Ambassador Hearne in which he said he hoped "relations between the two countries will continue to be on a good and effective level for generations."

This year President Obama will welcome Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the White House on Tuesday March 19th. In the morning, the President will meet with the Taoiseach in the Oval Office, and subsequently he will attend the traditional St. Patrick’s Day lunch at the U.S. Capitol.

In the evening, the President and the First Lady will host a reception to celebrate their fifth St. Patrick’s Day at the White House. During the reception, the President and Mr. Kenny will participate in what has now become the annual Shamrock ceremony.