[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23781]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 
resolution calling for a month to remember the significant achievements 
and contributions that Irish-Americans have made to our Nation.
  Throughout our more than 200 years of history as a Nation and during 
our colonial period, countless immigrants from the Emerald Isle have 
arrived on our shores. Irish-Americans have been instrumental in 
building up our strong, free, and prosperous Nation at every turn in 
our Nation's rich history. Despite initial discrimination, Irish-
Americans used the freedom and opportunity of the United States to 
build strong communities and businesses and prove themselves great 
Americans.
  Though many Irish came to American shores with little but the clothes 
on their backs, their hard work and integrity made them great American 
leaders. While we are all aware of President Kennedy's pride in his 
Irish heritage, 18 other presidents are of Irish descent including 
Andrew Jackson, Woodrow Wilson, and Ronald Reagan.
  There is a great legacy of Irish-American service in our military 
with many recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor claiming Irish 
heritage or birth. Irish immigrants have contributed significantly in 
our Armed Services as well, ensuring full freedom for all Americans.
  While many Americans remember their Irish heritage on St. Patrick's 
Day, because of the great contribution of Irish-Americans to our 
Nation, it is fitting that we dedicate an entire month of ceremonies 
and celebrations to their achievements.

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