For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 26, 2001
Irish-American Heritage Month, 2001
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
Beginning from the earliest years of
settlement, millions of Ireland's people have emigrated to America's
shores. This immigration reached a particular peak during
the terrible years of the Great Famine more than 150 years
ago. Irish immigrants, from professionals to laborers, made
an enormous contribution to the building of our Nation.
The Irish who came to America endured many
hardships but have prevailed to play vital roles in every chapter of
our country's history. Nine of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence were of Irish origin, and 19 Presidents of the United
States have proudly claimed Irish heritage -- including George
Washington, Andrew Jackson, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald
Reagan. Irish Americans have served with distinction in
every war this Nation has fought, from Revolutionaries John Barry and
Stephen Moylan to General Douglas MacArthur. Other
influential and renowned figures of Irish descent include pioneers
Buffalo Bill Cody, Daniel Boone, and Davy Crockett; authors Flannery
O'Connor, Eugene O'Neill, and John O'Hara; Civil War photographer
Matthew Brady; and entertainers Jackie Gleason, Gene Kelly, and John
Wayne. These distinguished Americans represent only a small
sampling of the men and women whose legacy has forever changed our
national identity and who trace their ancestry to Ireland's green
shores.
Today, the more than 44 million Americans who
claim Irish heritage look back with pride on the achievements and
contributions of their forebears. Irish Americans have
distinguished themselves in every sector of American
life. We are all enriched, strengthened, and blessed by
their service to our country.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President
of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in
me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby
proclaim March 2001 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call
upon all the people of the United States to observe this month with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this twenty-sixth day of February, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
GEORGE
W. BUSH
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