    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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 Con

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    stitution 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.
    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.
    GEORGE W. BUSH