Former deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has been awarded a 'Certificate of Honor' by the City and County of San Francisco.

The award was commissioned on March 8 and was signed by Democratic Mayor of San Francisco London Breed.

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The certificate cites a number of reasons for honouring the late Foyle MLA, including his "courageous service in the military".

Other reasons included his role "as a negotiator (who) helped cement and shape the Northern Ireland Peace Process and construct the Good Friday Agreement".

"His sacrifice and dedication to secure peace for his people is not only an inspiration to us all, but represents San Francisco values at their best," the award read.

"He leaves a legacy that embodies and celebrates the diverse history and strength of San Francisco and Ireland."

Sinn Fein National Chairperson Declan Kearney shared news of the award on Twitter.

Ãglach Martin Mc Guinness, MP, MLA, & Joint First Minister,

posthumously honoured by the City & County of San Francisco, USA

🇮🇪🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/OxnvZwNm8C — Declan Kearney (@DeclanKearneySF) March 10, 2019

Martin McGuinness admitted being a member of the IRA and claimed that he left the organisation in 1974.

He later served as a Sinn Fein MLA, MP and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.

Mr McGuinness resigned his position in January 2017 due to the RHI scandal and equality issues.

He died in March of the same year following a short illness at the age of 66.

The dedication on Mr McGuinness's Celtic cross gravestone reads 'Oglach Martin McGuinness, Oglaigh na h-Eireann, MP, MLA, Minister'.

Expand Close Martin McGuinness’s headstone in Derry City Cemetery / Facebook

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Whatsapp Martin McGuinness’s headstone in Derry City Cemetery

Oglach is the term used by the IRA to describe its volunteers.

A number of Northern Irish politicians, including DUP leader Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein vice-President Michelle O'Neill, are set to travel to America this week for the annual St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington.

Belfast Telegraph