[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 38 (Monday, February 27, 1995)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 10477-10478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-4909]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 1995 / 
Presidential Documents   
[[Page 10477]] 
                Proclamation 6771 of February 23, 1995

                
Irish-American Heritage Month, 1995

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America's bounty--the abundance of the fields, the 
                beauty of the landscape, the richness of our 
                opportunities--has always attracted people who are in 
                search of a better life for themselves and their 
                children. Our democracy owes its success in great part 
                to the countless immigrants who have made their way to 
                our shores and to the tremendous diversity this Nation 
                has been blessed with since its beginnings.

                In March, when communities all across the country 
                celebrate St. Patrick's Day, our Nation honors the rich 
                heritage of the millions of Americans who trace their 
                lineage to Ireland. Coming to this land even before our 
                Nation was founded, sons and daughters of Erin 
                undertook the perilous journey to make their home in a 
                place of hope and promise. They made inestimable 
                contributions to their new country, both during the 
                struggle for independence and in the founding of the 
                Republic. Nine of the people who signed our Declaration 
                of Independence were of Irish origin, and nineteen 
                Presidents of the United States proudly claim Irish 
                heritage--including our first President, George 
                Washington.

                The largest wave of Irish immigrants came in the late 
                1840s, when the Great Famine ravaging Ireland caused 2 
                million people to emigrate, mostly to American soil. 
                These immigrants transformed our largest cities and 
                helped to build them into dynamic centers of commerce 
                and industry, and their contributions to our smaller 
                cities and towns are evident today in the cultural, 
                economic, and spiritual makeup of the communities. 
                Throughout the country, they faced callous 
                discrimination: ``No Irish Need Apply'' signs were ugly 
                reminders of the prejudice that disfigured our society. 
                But with indomitable spirit and unshakable 
                determination, they persevered. They took jobs as 
                laborers, built railroads, canals, and schools, and 
                committed themselves to creating a brighter future for 
                their families and their new country.

                Today, millions of Americans of Irish ancestry continue 
                to enrich all aspects of life in the United States. 
                Irish Americans are proud to recall their heritage and 
                their struggle for well-deserved recognition in all 
                walks of American life. Throughout their history, they 
                have held tightly to their religious faith, their love 
                of family, and their belief in the importance of 
                education. The values they brought with them from the 
                Emerald Isle have flourished in America--and in turn 
                these values have helped America to flourish.

                In tribute to all Irish Americans, the Congress, by 
                Public Law 103-379, has designated March 1995 as 
                ``Irish-American Heritage Month'' and has authorized 
                and requested the President to issue a proclamation in 
                observance of this month.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 1995 
                as Irish-American Heritage Month.
                [[Page 10478]] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set 
                my hand this twenty-third day of February, in the year 
                of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and of 
                the Independence of the United States of America the 
                two hundred and nineteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 95-4909
Filed 2-23-95; 3:11 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P