[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 6, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 13183-13184]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5561]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 13183]]


                Proclamation 8779 of March 1, 2012

                
Irish-American Heritage Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For centuries, America and Ireland have built a proud 
                and enduring partnership cemented by mutual values and 
                a common history. Generations of Irish have crossed the 
                Atlantic in pursuit of prosperity, and today nearly 40 
                million of their proud descendants continue to make 
                their indelible mark on the United States of America. 
                Their stories, as varied as our Nation's people, humble 
                us and inspire our children to reach for the 
                opportunities dreamed about by our forebears.

                Over hundreds of years, Irish men, women, and children 
                left the homes of their ancestors, watching the coasts 
                of Donegal and the cliffs of Dingle fade behind them. 
                Boarding overcrowded ships and navigating dangerous 
                seas, these resilient travelers looked to the horizon 
                with hope in their hearts. Many left any valuables, 
                land, or stability they had behind, but they came 
                instead with the true treasures of their homeland--song 
                and literature, humor and tradition, faith and family. 
                And when they landed on our shores, they shared their 
                gifts generously, adding immeasurable value to towns, 
                cities, and communities throughout our Nation.

                Today, we draw on the indomitable spirit of those Irish 
                Americans whose strength helped build countless miles 
                of canals and railroads; whose brogues echoed in mills, 
                police stations, and fire halls across our country; and 
                whose blood spilled to defend a Nation and a way of 
                life they helped define. Defying famine, poverty, and 
                discrimination, these sons and daughters of Erin 
                demonstrated extraordinary strength and unshakable 
                faith as they gave their all to help build an America 
                worthy of the journey they and so many others have 
                taken. During Irish-American Heritage Month, we recall 
                their legacy of hard work and perseverance, and we 
                carry forward that singular dedication to forging a 
                more prosperous future for all Americans.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim March 2012 as Irish-
                American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to 
                observe this month by celebrating the contributions of 
                Irish Americans to our Nation.

[[Page 13184]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-5561
Filed 3-5-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P