[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9846 of March 1, 2019

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2019

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During Irish-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the indispensable
contributions Irish Americans have made to every chapter of our Nation's
history. Generations of Irish immigrants have carried to our shores
character, culture, and values that continue to play pivotal roles in
the strength and success of America.
Irish Americans helped define and defend our great Nation in its
earliest days. The Continental Congress appointed more than 20 generals
of Irish descent to lead the Continental Army through the Revolutionary
War. The courage of these Irish generals on the battlefield was as
inspiring as it was fierce. The Pennsylvania Line, the backbone of
George Washington's Army and one of its largest and hardest-hitting
units, consisted of so many soldiers of Irish descent that it was often
called the ``Line of Ireland.'' After they fought for our Independence,
Irish Americans helped enshrine the visionary principles of self-
government outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the
Constitution.
Many Irish Americans immigrated to the United States during the terrible
years of Ireland's Great Famine in the middle of the 19th century.
Despite facing discrimination and poverty, Irish Americans persevered
thanks to their industry, leadership, and integral involvement in
society. In 1868, Irish-American businessman Edmund McIlhenny grew his
first commercial crop of peppers in Avery Island, Louisiana, and created
``Tabasco'' hot sauce. Andrew Mellon, the grandson of Irish immigrants,
built a thriving business empire before becoming the Secretary of the
Treasury, during which time he advocated for economic policies that
sparked the tremendous prosperity of the 1920s. In 1937, he funded the
construction of the National Gallery of Art and donated his extensive
art collection to the museum.
Today, more than 31 million Americans look back with pride on their
Irish heritage and the legacy of their ancestors. The faith,
perseverance, and spirit of Irish Americans across our country is
indelibly woven into the tapestry of the American story. As we spend
this month honoring the incredible history of Irish Americans,
especially on St. Patrick's Day, we look forward to a bright future of
continued friendship and cooperation between the United States and
Ireland.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 2019 as Irish-
American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the
achievements of Irish Americans and their contributions to our Nation
with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March,
in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.
DONALD J. TRUMP