    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8479--MAR. 1, 2010

    Proclamation 8479 of March 1, 2010
    Irish-American Heritage Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    From long before American independence to today, countless individuals
    have reached our shores, bringing vibrant cultures and diverse roots,
    and immeasurably enriching our Nation. This month, we honor the
    contributions made by the tens of millions of Americans who trace their
    heritage to the Emerald Isle.
    Irish Americans fought for our independence, and their signatures adorn
    our founding documents. When famine ravaged Ireland in the 1840s and
    1850s, many Irish men and women sought a new beginning in the United
    States. Though they faced poverty and discrimination, these immigrants
    transformed our cities, served in our Armed Forces, and settled the
    frontiers of our young Nation. Their children, and succeeding
    generations of Irish Americans, have preserved their culture's values
    while becoming leaders in every facet of American life.

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    During this year's Irish-American Heritage Month, we also celebrate an
    extraordinary Irishman: Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Throughout his career
    in public service, Senator Kennedy worked tirelessly to create
    opportunity for all Americans. His legacy lives on in the legislation he
    championed, which will bolster and protect the health, education, and
    civil rights of Americans for generations to come.
    Across the Atlantic, the people of Ireland continue to confront their
    own challenges with resolve and determination. In the face of violence
    perpetuated by some--testing a hard-earned peace--the people of Northern
    Ireland have responded heroically. Undaunted, they and their leaders
    persist on the road to peace and prosperity enshrined over a decade ago
    in the Good Friday Agreement. The United States remains committed to
    supporting the political process and the work of those who have shown
    leadership in pursuit of a lasting peace.
    Today, the sons and daughters of Erin can look back with pride on their
    many contributions to the civic and cultural life of America. Like so
    many of our Nation's ethnic communities, Irish Americans are a people
    whose hard work and resilience have brought them great opportunity and
    success, and whose service to our Nation has left it a better place.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
    and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim March 2010 as
    Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this
    month by celebrating the contributions of Irish American to our Nation
    with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March,
    in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the
    United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
    BARACK OBAMA