Irish-American Heritage Month, 2003

Proclamation 7649 of February 28, 2003

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

From the earliest days of our Republic, America has
inspired the hopes and dreams of countless individuals
from around the world who have come to share in our
gifts of freedom, justice, and opportunity. During
Irish-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the
contributions of these talented and industrious
citizens and recognize their rich legacy of ingenuity,
creativity, and achievement.

Throughout our history, America has welcomed millions
of Irish immigrants to its shores. These proud people
arrived seeking a better life for themselves, their
families, and future generations. Many courageous
individuals came during the terrible years of Ireland's
Great Famine in the middle of the 19th century, and
their road to prosperity was not easy. Many faced
significant obstacles, including discrimination and
poverty. Despite these challenges, Irish Americans have
risen to success in every sector of our society.

Americans of Irish descent have played a vital role in
shaping our history and culture. Nineteen Presidents of
the United States have claimed Irish heritage. One-
third to one-half of the American troops during the
Revolutionary War and 9 of the 56 signers of the
Declaration of Independence were Irish Americans. Irish
Americans explored our frontiers, built many of our
Nation's bridges, canals, and railroads, and their
proud record of public service helped to fortify our
democracy.

In all areas of American life, Irish Americans have
made significant and enduring contributions to our
great country. America is a better Nation because of
the efforts of Irish Americans like Henry Ford, who
spurred innovation; Bing Crosby, who entertained
countless people around the world; and activist Mary
Kenney O'Sullivan, who worked for critical and
compassionate social reform. These individuals are just
a few of the many Irish Americans who helped to
transform our national identity and whose
accomplishments reflect the determination, joy, and
hope of the Irish. The faith, perseverance, and spirit
of the Irish have helped to strengthen our families,
our communities, our ideals, and our national
character.

Today, approximately one in four Americans can trace
their ancestry in part to Ireland's green shores, and
we are proud of and grateful for the many Irish
Americans who continue to enrich 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 2003 as Irish-American
Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe
this month by learning about and commemorating the
contributions of Irish Americans to our Nation.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B