Irish-American Heritage Month, 1996

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Part XI

The President

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Proclamation 6868--Irish-American Heritage Month, 1996

Proclamation 6869--Save Your Vision Week, 1996

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 6868 of March 1, 1996

Irish-American Heritage Month, 1996

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

I am pleased to count myself among the over 40 million
Americans who can trace their heritage back to Ireland.
Like so many of our forebears, immigrants from the
Emerald Isle came to this country seeking dignity and
prosperity, and they brought with them traditions
rooted in the values of family and faith. Some arrived
on our shores even before our Nation was founded,
lending their energy to the establishment of our
Republic; nine sons of Ireland signed the Declaration
of Independence, and our first President, George
Washington, proudly claimed Irish ancestry.

The largest wave of Irish immigration occurred 150
years ago, when more than 1 million people left Ireland
for America as potato blight and famine devastated
their homeland. These sons and daughters of Erin
transformed our cities, stimulating industry and
commerce from New York to Boston to Chicago. In
pursuing the American Dream, they set an example of
courage, hard work, and determination that was to be
followed again and again by hopeful newcomers.

Today, Irish Americans celebrate this history and the
contributions that their brethren have made to all
aspects of American life--providing leadership in
Government, the law, business, finance, literature, and
the arts. Renewed interest in Gaelic culture has led to
university courses in Irish studies, and hundreds of
Saint Patrick's Day parades across the country attest
to the vigor of Irish American communities. This month
and throughout the year, let us recognize the gifts
brought to America by children of Ireland and honor the
strengths they have added to our national character.

In tribute to all Irish Americans, the Congress, by
Public Law 103-379, has designated March 1996 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, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim March 1996 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
first day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.