Irish-American Heritage Month, 2002

Proclamation 7526 of March 2, 2002

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2002

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.

(Presidential Sig.)B