[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8223 of February 29, 2008

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Since the earliest days of our Republic, Irish Americans have enriched
our culture with their faith, values, and hard work. During the month of
March, we celebrate the contributions of Americans who trace their
ancestry back to Ireland's shores.
Many of the sons and daughters of Erin came to America fleeing famine
and poverty. They came with dreams of opportunity, and they helped to
build our democracy and advance the cause of liberty. Irish Americans in
all walks of life have made lasting contributions to our Nation, and we
honor the service of Irish Americans in America's Armed Forces.
Throughout our history, those claiming Irish ancestry have helped shape
and strengthen America, including as signers of the Declaration of
Independence and as Presidents of the United States.
This month, we celebrate the patriotic and proud people who originated
from the Emerald Isle and who have played a vital role in the story of
this Nation of immigrants.
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 2008 as Irish-
American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month
by celebrating the contributions of Irish Americans to our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
GEORGE W. BUSH