[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 111 (Thursday, August 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 11, 1994

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution to 
designate the months of March 1995 and March 1996 as ``Irish-American 
Heritage Month.'' This is the fifth consecutive year I have proudly 
introduced legislation in celebration of the over 40 million Americans 
of Irish descent. I hope my colleagues will join me in sponsoring this 
resolution as they have the past 4 years.
  Mr. Speaker, next year will mark the 150th anniversary of the great 
hunger that devastated Ireland between 1845 and 1851. In 1845, a fungus 
struck Ireland's primary subsistence crop, the potato. The potato 
blight quickly spread, destroying the country's main source of food. 
Within 5 years, the famine reduced a population of 8.1 million by 
almost half through death and mass emigration of the Irish to the 
United States, Canada, and England.
  In the decade following 1845, more people left Ireland than had 
emigrated in the previous 250 years. They risked their lives traveling 
great distances on ``coffin ships'' rife with typhus. Most emigrated to 
the United States, arriving in New York City, Boston, and other east 
coast port cities. By 1851, the end of the famine exodus, 1,712 
emigrant ships had sailed up the narrows into New York harbour.
  These Irish immigrants of the mid 19th century and those who followed 
in later years dedicated themselves to helping build this Nation. They 
took jobs building railroads, canals, and schools. Their legacy 
continues to be a part of today's American mainstream as the 44 million 
Americans of Irish ancestry, like their forbearers, continue to enrich 
all aspects of life in the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to introduce this resolution which 
remembers the millions of Irish who died or were forced to flee Ireland 
during the great potato famine and pays tribute to their descendants in 
the United States who continue to contribute to all facets of American 
culture. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important 
resolution.

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