Irish-American Heritage Month, 1994

Proclamation 6656 of March 8, 1994

Irish-American Heritage Month, 1994

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The patchwork quilt of United States history is
intricately woven with the many great deeds and
memorable contributions of Irish Americans. Since the
founding of our country, immigrants from the Emerald
Isle have shared in weaving the fabric of a new nation.
And it is in no small part their efforts that have made
America a land of both unparalleled diversity and
infinite promise.

Fleeing the Great Potato Famine of the 19th century,
hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants joined their
cousins in the new world. They arrived to face the
considerable challenges of an unfamiliar territory with
untamed resources and a brewing conflict over the
nature of freedom and self-governance. Yet these brave
pioneers--our grandparents and great-grandparents--were
filled with hope and a vision of a better life. From
John F. Kennedy to Tip O'Neill, George M. Cohan to
Flannery O'Connor, Irish Americans have graced our
political and cultural life with a spirit born of the
courage and idealism inspired by their ancestors.

Today, well over 200 years since the American colonies
declared their independence, Irish Americans and people
everywhere are again filled with hope. After centuries
of conflict, we are deeply encouraged by the prospects
for peace in Northern Ireland. We look forward to a day
in the near future when the Irish strength of character
and faith in justice bring lasting peace to this
troubled land--a day when their love for harmony
overtakes the differences between religious traditions.

As we celebrate the vital bonds between our two great
nations, I reaffirm my call for an end to all violence
in Northern Ireland. In the great tradition of our
common heritage, the people of the United States renew
our pledge to the people of Ireland, rededicating
ourselves to fostering understanding, cooperation, and
peace.

In tribute to all Irish Americans, the Congress, by
Senate Joint Resolution 119, has designated March 1994
as ``Irish-American Heritage Month'' and has authorized
and requested the President to issue a proclamation in
observance of this month.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 1994
as Irish-American Heritage Month. I urge all Americans
to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and
eighteenth.

(Presidential Sig.)>