[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8629 of February 28, 2011

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our diverse Nation has been shaped by the sacrifices and successes of
those who crossed both land and sea in pursuit of a common dream. For
millions of Americans, this journey began in Ireland. In the wake of the
Great Hunger, many sons and daughters of Erin came to our shores seeking
a brighter day, with only courage and the enduring values of faith and
family to sustain them. Alongside many others who sought a better life
in a new Nation, these intrepid immigrants built strong communities and
helped forge our country's future. During Irish-American Heritage Month,
we honor the contributions Irish Americans have made, and celebrate the
nearly 40 million among us who proudly trace their roots back to
Ireland.
From the earliest days of our Republic, the Irish have overcome
discrimination and carved out a place for themselves in the American
story. Through hard work, perseverance, and patriotism, women and men of
Irish descent have given their brawn, brains, and blood to make and
remake this Nation--pulling it westward, pushing it skyward, and moving
it forward. Half a century ago, John F. Kennedy became our first Irish-
American Catholic President and summoned an expectant citizenry to
greatness. This year, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of
President Kennedy's inauguration, we recognize our 35th President and
the countless other Irish Americans whose leadership and service have
steered the course of our Nation.
Seldom in this world has a country so small had so large an impact on
another. Today, the rich culture of Ireland touches all aspects of
American society, and the friendship that binds Ireland and the United
States is marked by a shared past and a common future. As communities
across our country celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month and St.
Patrick's Day, our Nation pays tribute to the proud lineage passed down
to so many Americans from the Emerald Isle.
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 2011 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-eighth day
of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA