Irish-American Heritage Month, 2012

Proclamation 8779 of March 1, 2012

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For centuries, America and Ireland have built a proud
and enduring partnership cemented by mutual values and
a common history. Generations of Irish have crossed the
Atlantic in pursuit of prosperity, and today nearly 40
million of their proud descendants continue to make
their indelible mark on the United States of America.
Their stories, as varied as our Nation's people, humble
us and inspire our children to reach for the
opportunities dreamed about by our forebears.

Over hundreds of years, Irish men, women, and children
left the homes of their ancestors, watching the coasts
of Donegal and the cliffs of Dingle fade behind them.
Boarding overcrowded ships and navigating dangerous
seas, these resilient travelers looked to the horizon
with hope in their hearts. Many left any valuables,
land, or stability they had behind, but they came
instead with the true treasures of their homeland--song
and literature, humor and tradition, faith and family.
And when they landed on our shores, they shared their
gifts generously, adding immeasurable value to towns,
cities, and communities throughout our Nation.

Today, we draw on the indomitable spirit of those Irish
Americans whose strength helped build countless miles
of canals and railroads; whose brogues echoed in mills,
police stations, and fire halls across our country; and
whose blood spilled to defend a Nation and a way of
life they helped define. Defying famine, poverty, and
discrimination, these sons and daughters of Erin
demonstrated extraordinary strength and unshakable
faith as they gave their all to help build an America
worthy of the journey they and so many others have
taken. During Irish-American Heritage Month, we recall
their legacy of hard work and perseverance, and we
carry forward that singular dedication to forging a
more prosperous future for all Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim March 2012 as Irish-
American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to
observe this month by celebrating the contributions of
Irish Americans to our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.