[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8779--MAR. 1, 2012

Proclamation 8779 of March 1, 2012

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For centuries, America and Ireland have built a proud and enduring
partnership cemented by mutual values and a common history. Generations
of Irish have crossed the Atlantic in pursuit of prosperity, and today
nearly 40 million of their proud descendants continue to make their
indelible mark on the United States of America. Their stories, as varied
as our Nation's people, humble us and inspire our children to reach for
the opportunities dreamed about by our forebears.
Over hundreds of years, Irish men, women, and children left the homes of
their ancestors, watching the coasts of Donegal and the cliffs of Dingle
fade behind them. Boarding overcrowded ships and navigating dangerous
seas, these resilient travelers looked to the horizon with hope in their
hearts. Many left any valuables, land, or stability they had behind, but
they came instead with the true treasures of their homeland--song and
literature, humor and tradition, faith and family. And when they landed
on our shores, they shared their gifts generously, adding immeasurable
value to towns, cities, and communities throughout our Nation.
Today, we draw on the indomitable spirit of those Irish Americans whose
strength helped build countless miles of canals and railroads; whose
brogues echoed in mills, police stations, and fire halls across our
country; and whose blood spilled to defend a Nation and a way of life
they helped define. Defying famine, poverty, and discrimination, these
sons and daughters of Erin demonstrated extraordinary strength and
unshakable faith as they gave their all to help build an America worthy
of the journey they and so many others have taken. During Irish-American
Heritage Month, we recall their legacy of hard work and perseverance,
and we carry forward that singular dedication to forging a more
prosperous future for all Americans.
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 2012 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 first day of March,
in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA