Irish-American Heritage Month, 2001

Proclamation 7409 of February 26, 2001

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Beginning from the earliest years of settlement,
millions of Ireland's people have emigrated to
America's shores. This immigration reached a particular
peak during the terrible years of the Great Famine more
than 150 years ago. Irish immigrants, from
professionals to laborers, made an enormous
contribution to the building of our Nation.

The Irish who came to America endured many hardships
but have prevailed to play vital roles in every chapter
of our country's history. Nine of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence were of Irish origin, and
19 Presidents of the United States have proudly claimed
Irish heritage--including George Washington, Andrew
Jackson, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. Irish
Americans have served with distinction in every war
this Nation has fought, from Revolutionaries John Barry
and Stephen Moylan to General Douglas MacArthur. Other
influential and renowned figures of Irish descent
include pioneers Buffalo Bill Cody, Daniel Boone, and
Davy Crockett; authors Flannery O'Connor, Eugene
O'Neill, and John O'Hara; Civil War photographer
Matthew Brady; and entertainers Jackie Gleason, Gene
Kelly, and John Wayne. These distinguished Americans
represent only a small sampling of the men and women
whose legacy has forever changed our national identity
and who trace their ancestry to Ireland's green shores.

Today, the more than 44 million Americans who claim
Irish heritage look back with pride on the achievements
and contributions of their forebears. Irish Americans
have distinguished themselves in every sector of
American life. We are all enriched, strengthened, and
blessed by their service to our country.

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 2001 as Irish-American
Heritage Month. I call upon all the people of the
United States to observe this month with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-sixth day of February, in the year of our Lord
two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

(Presidential Sig.)B