[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 130 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        THE IRISH POTATO FAMINE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 1997

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution that 
honors the victims of the Great Irish Potato Famine, honors the 
millions of brave emigrants who rose from the tragedy of the famine to 
make profound contribution to America, and encourages the British and 
Irish Governments to make a renewed effort for peace in Northern 
Ireland.
  This year is the 150th anniversary of the worst year of the Great 
Irish Potato Famine, which began in 1845 and continued to 1850. Massive 
poverty, disease, and starvation plagued hundreds of thousands 
throughout Ireland. Even today, 1847 is still known to all people of 
Irish descent as Black 47.
  By the end of the famine, an estimated 1.5 million people had died of 
starvation or disease. Millions more risked their lives on ``coffin 
ships'' to seek a new life in America. These brave emigrants paved the 
way for the millions of Irish-American descendants today.
  Recently, a new British Parliament, led by Tony Blair, and a new 
Irish Government, led by Bertie Ahern, have been elected to office. 
Also, Prime Minister Blair expressed regret about Britain's role in the 
famine. With the healing of old scars and the promise of the new 
administrations, Ireland has a new opportunity for peace and 
prosperity. The people of Ireland deserve a future free from violence, 
religious hate, or famine.
  Mr. Speaker, the American descendants of those brave emigrants have 
made tremendous contributions to our society and to the American way of 
life. Irish-Americans have worked hard to become police officers, fire 
fighters, teachers, doctors, and even Members of Congress. I strongly 
urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

                          ____________________