[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 5, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 10643-10644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-5369]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 43 / Wednesday, March 5, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 10643]]


                Proclamation 7649 of February 28, 2003

                
Irish-American Heritage Month, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                From the earliest days of our Republic, America has 
                inspired the hopes and dreams of countless individuals 
                from around the world who have come to share in our 
                gifts of freedom, justice, and opportunity. During 
                Irish-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the 
                contributions of these talented and industrious 
                citizens and recognize their rich legacy of ingenuity, 
                creativity, and achievement.

                Throughout our history, America has welcomed millions 
                of Irish immigrants to its shores. These proud people 
                arrived seeking a better life for themselves, their 
                families, and future generations. Many courageous 
                individuals came during the terrible years of Ireland's 
                Great Famine in the middle of the 19th century, and 
                their road to prosperity was not easy. Many faced 
                significant obstacles, including discrimination and 
                poverty. Despite these challenges, Irish Americans have 
                risen to success in every sector of our society.

                Americans of Irish descent have played a vital role in 
                shaping our history and culture. Nineteen Presidents of 
                the United States have claimed Irish heritage. One-
                third to one-half of the American troops during the 
                Revolutionary War and 9 of the 56 signers of the 
                Declaration of Independence were Irish Americans. Irish 
                Americans explored our frontiers, built many of our 
                Nation's bridges, canals, and railroads, and their 
                proud record of public service helped to fortify our 
                democracy.

                In all areas of American life, Irish Americans have 
                made significant and enduring contributions to our 
                great country. America is a better Nation because of 
                the efforts of Irish Americans like Henry Ford, who 
                spurred innovation; Bing Crosby, who entertained 
                countless people around the world; and activist Mary 
                Kenney O'Sullivan, who worked for critical and 
                compassionate social reform. These individuals are just 
                a few of the many Irish Americans who helped to 
                transform our national identity and whose 
                accomplishments reflect the determination, joy, and 
                hope of the Irish. The faith, perseverance, and spirit 
                of the Irish have helped to strengthen our families, 
                our communities, our ideals, and our national 
                character.

                Today, approximately one in four Americans can trace 
                their ancestry in part to Ireland's green shores, and 
                we are proud of and grateful for the many Irish 
                Americans who continue to enrich our country.

                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 2003 as Irish-American 
                Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe 
                this month by learning about and commemorating the 
                contributions of Irish Americans to our Nation.

[[Page 10644]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-5369
Filed 3-4-03; 9:11 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P