It is with deep sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the passing of Brigadier General James P. Cullen, Esq. after a courageous battle with illness. His passing is a loss to both America and Ireland.
The story of General Cullen is in miniature the story of Irish America. He severed his country honorably in the United States Army. Starting from the rank of private soldier, by his diligence he attained the rank of Brigadier General, serving in the prestigious Judge Advocate General’s Corp as Chief Judge of the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals. Simultaneously, General Cullen never forgot his Irish origins tracing back to County Offaly. General Cullen was a constant American voice for freedom and justice for those whose voice was suppressed in Northern Ireland. As past President of the Brehon Law Society and President of Friends of Sinn Fein, he was to the end a powerful advocate for a lasting peace built on justice and respect in Ireland.
Those who met General Cullen will remember an imposing and dignified military bearing which gave way in an instant with his warm smile. Like the mythical Irish Fianna, he was a constant warrior in the most noble of causes: justice for his fellow man. Legend records that the motto of the Fianna was Beart de réir ár mbriathar (Action to match our speech). General Cullen was the personification of that motto, and his memory is a challenge to all of us to continue his work.
Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. May he rest in peace.