Irish-American Heritage Month, 1997

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Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 6974--Irish-American Heritage Month, 1997

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 6974 of February 27, 1997

Irish-American Heritage Month, 1997

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout the history of the United States, from the
founding of our republic to the modern spread of our
cultural influence around the globe, American life has
been enriched continuously by the contributions of
Irish Americans.

Although thousands of immigrants from Ireland had
already come to America before the signing of the
Declaration of Independence, the largest number
emigrated from their homeland in the middle of the 19th
century, when devastating famine overtook their native
Ireland. Many moved into our cities, where their hard
work helped American industries, their political skills
energized local government, and their culture added
richness to urban neighborhoods. Others, freshly
arrived from Cork, Kilkenny, or Belfast, kept moving
all the way to the American West. Wherever they went,
they added their muscle to the building of our
railroads, bridges, tunnels, and canals, and they
applied their minds to the shaping of American law and
letters. And their values were exemplified by a firm
confidence in education, a dedication to the work
ethic, and a deep belief in God.

America offered these new citizens abundant
opportunities and the freedom to exercise their talents
in a country that was still less than 100 years old. In
return, Ireland added immensely to the American
national character. This month, when communities all
across the Nation celebrate St. Patrick's Day, we honor
the millions of Americans who trace their lineage to
Ireland.

Our country has been blessed by the rich legacy of
famous Americans whose ancestors emigrated to our
shores from Ireland. Georgia O'Keefe, Edgar Allen Poe,
and F. Scott Fitzgerald are just a few among the many
whose talents have graced the arts. Andrew Mellon and
Henry Ford excelled in business and finance. Will
Rogers, Spencer Tracy, Bing Crosby, and John Wayne have
entertained us. Pierce Butler signed the Constitution,
General Douglas MacArthur led the Allied Forces in the
Pacific during World War II, and Sandra Day O'Connor
became the first woman to sit on our Supreme Court.

But let us not forget the sacrifices, dedication, and
profound achievements of the thousands of less well-
known Irish Americans who have labored to make the
United States a country of which we all can be proud.
They were--and continue to be--motivated by their deep
commitment and fervent loyalty to family, friends,
community, and country. This month we honor them and
thank them for their efforts.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 1997 as Irish-American
Heritage Month. I call upon all the people of the
United States to observe this month with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-first.