[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 41 (Monday, March 3, 1997)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 9677-9678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5351]



[[Page 9675]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 6974--Irish-American Heritage Month, 1997
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 41 / Monday, March 3, 1997 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 9677]]

                Proclamation 6974 of February 27, 1997

                
Irish-American Heritage Month, 1997

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Throughout the history of the United States, from the 
                founding of our republic to the modern spread of our 
                cultural influence around the globe, American life has 
                been enriched continuously by the contributions of 
                Irish Americans.

                Although thousands of immigrants from Ireland had 
                already come to America before the signing of the 
                Declaration of Independence, the largest number 
                emigrated from their homeland in the middle of the 19th 
                century, when devastating famine overtook their native 
                Ireland. Many moved into our cities, where their hard 
                work helped American industries, their political skills 
                energized local government, and their culture added 
                richness to urban neighborhoods. Others, freshly 
                arrived from Cork, Kilkenny, or Belfast, kept moving 
                all the way to the American West. Wherever they went, 
                they added their muscle to the building of our 
                railroads, bridges, tunnels, and canals, and they 
                applied their minds to the shaping of American law and 
                letters. And their values were exemplified by a firm 
                confidence in education, a dedication to the work 
                ethic, and a deep belief in God.

                America offered these new citizens abundant 
                opportunities and the freedom to exercise their talents 
                in a country that was still less than 100 years old. In 
                return, Ireland added immensely to the American 
                national character. This month, when communities all 
                across the Nation celebrate St. Patrick's Day, we honor 
                the millions of Americans who trace their lineage to 
                Ireland.

                Our country has been blessed by the rich legacy of 
                famous Americans whose ancestors emigrated to our 
                shores from Ireland. Georgia O'Keefe, Edgar Allen Poe, 
                and F. Scott Fitzgerald are just a few among the many 
                whose talents have graced the arts. Andrew Mellon and 
                Henry Ford excelled in business and finance. Will 
                Rogers, Spencer Tracy, Bing Crosby, and John Wayne have 
                entertained us. Pierce Butler signed the Constitution, 
                General Douglas MacArthur led the Allied Forces in the 
                Pacific during World War II, and Sandra Day O'Connor 
                became the first woman to sit on our Supreme Court.

                But let us not forget the sacrifices, dedication, and 
                profound achievements of the thousands of less well-
                known Irish Americans who have labored to make the 
                United States a country of which we all can be proud. 
                They were--and continue to be--motivated by their deep 
                commitment and fervent loyalty to family, friends, 
                community, and country. This month we honor them and 
                thank them for their efforts.

[[Page 9678]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim March 1997 as Irish-American 
                Heritage Month. I call upon all the people of the 
                United States to observe this month with appropriate 
                ceremonies, activities, and programs.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and twenty-first.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 97-5351
Filed 2-28-97; 10:54 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P