For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 4, 2002
Irish-American Heritage Month Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America has been shaped by the principles of liberty and freedom,
guided by the pursuit of justice, and enriched by the diversity of its
people. Irish Americans have been an essential part of this
development, greatly contributing to our Nation's progress and
prosperity.
Our country's citizens come from diverse backgrounds and cultures,
which has enabled us to realize the vision embodied in our first
national motto: "E Pluribus Unum," meaning "Out of many,
one." Our forbears discovered the value inherent in this
ideal, building a Nation where all people can live free, be equal under
the law, and find opportunity for success in our free-enterprise
system. From all points on earth, people of different races,
faiths, and ethnicities came to this land to become Americans and thus
heirs and stewards of the Founders' vision. This convergence
of cultures contributed to the rich fabric of our Nation, uniquely
threading together many divergent ideas, tastes, and traditions.
Today, we enjoy a society shaped by this history, one Nation under one
flag. Our Nation's response to the terrible events of
September 11 demonstrated vividly the reality of the unity and resolve
of our diverse people.
Since our Nation's founding, millions of Irish have emigrated to
this country to embrace the vibrant promise of new opportunity that
America offers. Some came to America seeking the freedom to
worship as they pleased. Others came in the wake of the
devastating Irish potato famine of 1845-1849, which caused 1 million
deaths in Ireland and led nearly 1.5 million Irish to
emigrate. And the many successes of the Irish immigrants in
America proved to be a continuing draw to their friends and family who
remained in Ireland. The Irish brought with them a spirit of
life and an ethic of work that helped to enliven our culture and
enabled them to prosper in their new land.
George Washington's Continental Army had over 20 generals of Irish
descent. Americans proudly claiming Irish heritage have held
positions of national leadership, including Presidents George
Washington, Andrew Jackson, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan and
Supreme Court Justices William J. Brennan, Jr., and Sandra Day
O?Connor. And numerous Irish Americans have enjoyed great
success in the arts and entertainment field, including Buster Keaton,
Stephen Foster, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Throughout our history, America has been greatly blessed by the
innumerable contributions of Irish Americans. This month we
celebrate these great people and the heritage of their beautiful
ancestral homeland, Ireland.
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 2002 as
Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to
observe this month by learning about and commemorating the
contributions of Irish Americans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this second day of
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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