[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 10 (Monday, March 14, 1994)]
[Page 461]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 6656--Irish-American Heritage Month, 1994

March 8, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The patchwork quilt of United States history is intricately woven 
with the many great deeds and memorable contributions of Irish 
Americans. Since the founding of our country, immigrants from the 
Emerald Isle have shared in weaving the fabric of a new nation. And it 
is in no small part their efforts that have made America a land of both 
unparalleled diversity and infinite promise.
    Fleeing the Great Potato Famine of the 19th century, hundreds of 
thousands of Irish immigrants joined their cousins in the new world. 
They arrived to face the considerable challenges of an unfamiliar 
territory with untamed resources and a brewing conflict over the nature 
of freedom and self-governance. Yet these brave pioneers--our 
grandparents and great-grandparents--were filled with hope and a vision 
of a better life. From John F. Kennedy to Tip O'Neill, George M. Cohan 
to Flannery O'Connor, Irish Americans have graced our political and 
cultural life with a spirit born of the courage and idealism inspired by 
their ancestors.
    Today, well over 200 years since the American colonies declared 
their independence, Irish Americans and people everywhere are again 
filled with hope. After centuries of conflict, we are deeply encouraged 
by the prospect for peace in Northern Ireland. We look forward to a day 
in the near future when the Irish strength of character and faith in 
justice bring lasting peace to this troubled land--a day when their love 
for harmony overtakes the differences between religious traditions.
    As we celebrate the vital bonds between our two great nations, I 
reaffirm my call for an end to all violence in Northern Ireland. In the 
great tradition of our common heritage, the people of the United States 
renew our pledge to the people of Ireland, rededicating ourselves to 
fostering understanding, cooperation, and peace.
    In tribute to all Irish Americans, the Congress, by Senate Joint 
Resolution 119, has designated March 1994 as ``Irish-American Heritage 
Month'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue a 
proclamation in observance of this month.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim March 1994 as Irish-American 
Heritage Month. I urge all Americans to observe this month with 
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of 
March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 1:38 p.m., March 8, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
10.