[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