[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 41 (Thursday, March 1, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 12991-12992]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-5190]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 12991]]


                Proclamation 7409 of February 26, 2001

                
Irish-American Heritage Month, 2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Beginning from the earliest years of settlement, 
                millions of Ireland's people have emigrated to 
                America's shores. This immigration reached a particular 
                peak during the terrible years of the Great Famine more 
                than 150 years ago. Irish immigrants, from 
                professionals to laborers, made an enormous 
                contribution to the building of our Nation.

                The Irish who came to America endured many hardships 
                but have prevailed to play vital roles in every chapter 
                of our country's history. Nine of the signers of the 
                Declaration of Independence were of Irish origin, and 
                19 Presidents of the United States have proudly claimed 
                Irish heritage--including George Washington, Andrew 
                Jackson, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. Irish 
                Americans have served with distinction in every war 
                this Nation has fought, from Revolutionaries John Barry 
                and Stephen Moylan to General Douglas MacArthur. Other 
                influential and renowned figures of Irish descent 
                include pioneers Buffalo Bill Cody, Daniel Boone, and 
                Davy Crockett; authors Flannery O'Connor, Eugene 
                O'Neill, and John O'Hara; Civil War photographer 
                Matthew Brady; and entertainers Jackie Gleason, Gene 
                Kelly, and John Wayne. These distinguished Americans 
                represent only a small sampling of the men and women 
                whose legacy has forever changed our national identity 
                and who trace their ancestry to Ireland's green shores.

                Today, the more than 44 million Americans who claim 
                Irish heritage look back with pride on the achievements 
                and contributions of their forebears. Irish Americans 
                have distinguished themselves in every sector of 
                American life. We are all enriched, strengthened, and 
                blessed by their service to our country.

[[Page 12992]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 2001 as Irish-American 
                Heritage Month. I call upon all the people of the 
                United States to observe this month with appropriate 
                ceremonies and activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-sixth day of February, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-5190
Filed 2-28-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P