Irish Heritage

President Obama has issued the following proclamation.

 

 

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release March 1, 2010

IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2010

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

From long before American independence to today, countless

individuals have reached our shores, bringing vibrant cultures

and diverse roots, and immeasurably enriching our Nation. This

month, we honor the contributions made by the tens of millions

of Americans who trace their heritage to the Emerald Isle.

Irish Americans fought for our independence, and their

signatures adorn our founding documents. When famine ravaged

Ireland in the 1840s and 1850s, many Irish men and women sought

a new beginning in the United States. Though they faced poverty

and discrimination, these immigrants transformed our cities,

served in our Armed Forces, and settled the frontiers of our

young Nation. Their children, and succeeding generations of

Irish Americans, have preserved their culture's values while

becoming leaders in every facet of American life.

During this year's Irish-American Heritage Month, we also

celebrate an extraordinary Irishman: Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

Throughout his career in public service, Senator Kennedy worked

tirelessly to create opportunity for all Americans. His legacy

lives on in the legislation he championed, which will bolster

and protect the health, education, and civil rights of Americans

for generations to come.

Across the Atlantic, the people of Ireland continue to

confront their own challenges with resolve and determination.

In the face of violence perpetuated by some -- testing a

hard-earned peace -- the people of Northern Ireland have

responded heroically. Undaunted, they and their leaders persist

on the road to peace and prosperity enshrined over a decade ago

in the Good Friday Agreement. The United States remains

committed to supporting the political process and the work of

those who have shown leadership in pursuit of a lasting peace.

Today, the sons and daughters of Erin can look back with

pride on their many contributions to the civic and cultural life

of America. Like so many of our Nation's ethnic communities,

Irish Americans are a people whose hard work and resilience have

brought them great opportunity and success, and whose service to

our Nation has left it a better place.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the

United States of America, by the virtue of the authority vested

in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do

hereby proclaim March 2010 as Irish-American Heritage Month.

I call upon all Americans to observe this month by celebrating

the contributions of Irish American to our Nation with

appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten,

and of the Independence of the United States of America the

two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

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