[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 254 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 254

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                        April 21, 2009.
Whereas from the earliest days of the Nation, America has inspired the hopes and 
        dreams of countless individuals from around the world in search of a 
        better life for themselves and their children;
Whereas these individuals have come to share in America's gifts of freedom, 
        justice, and opportunity, and, in turn, America's democracy and great 
        diversity owe their success in large part to these immigrants;
Whereas, since before the United States was even founded, Irish men and women 
        undertook the perilous journey to make their home in this place of hope 
        and promise, making inestimable contributions to their new country, both 
        during the struggle for independence and in the founding of the 
        republic;
Whereas nine of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish 
        origin and 19 Presidents of the United States can proudly claim Irish 
        heritage, including the first President of the United States, George 
        Washington;
Whereas Irish immigrants who came to the United States during the Great Famine 
        of the 1840's helped transform America's largest cities, building them 
        into dynamic centers of commerce and industry, and the cultural, 
        economic, and spiritual contributions of these immigrants continue to be 
        evident today throughout the United States;
Whereas, with strength, courage, wit, and creativity, Irish-Americans have 
        flourished, making significant contributions in all areas of American 
        life;
Whereas Irish-American writers such as Eugene O'Neill, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and 
        George Bernard Shaw transformed American literature, entrepreneurs like 
        Henry Ford helped revolutionize American transportation and industry, 
        performers such as Gregory Peck, John Wayne, and Helen Hayes enriched 
        the arts, and social reformers such as suffragist Leonora Barry and 
        labor organizer Mary Kenney O'Sullivan fought for the rights of others;
Whereas Irish-Americans have served ably in their communities in numerous 
        capacities, such as public safety and government, including four-term 
        New York State Governor Alfred E. Smith, and in the Armed Services in 
        every war in which the United States has ever fought, including patriots 
        such as Audie Murphy, America's most decorated soldier of World War II;
Whereas approximately one in four Americans trace at least part of their 
        ancestry to Ireland;
Whereas generations of Irish-Americans have worked alongside their fellow 
        Americans to build a more perfect Union, and the United States is a 
        stronger country because of them;
Whereas it is fitting that the House of Representatives honor the rich heritage, 
        enduring contributions, and firm values of the Irish-Americans who 
        continue to enrich and strengthen American families, communities, 
        ideals, and character; and
Whereas President Barack Obama proclaimed March 2009 as Irish-American Heritage 
        Month: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the significant contributions of Irish-Americans in 
        the history and progress of United States; and
            (2) encourages Americans to celebrate Irish-American heritage with 
        appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.