[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 9 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Pages 395-396]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6868--Irish-American Heritage Month, 1996

March 1, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    I am pleased to count myself among the over 40 million Americans who 
can trace their heritage back to Ireland. Like so many of our forebears, 
immigrants from the Emerald Isle came to this country seeking dignity 
and prosperity, and they brought with them traditions rooted in the 
values of family and faith. Some arrived on our shores even before our 
Nation was founded, lending their energy to the establishment of our 
Republic; nine sons of Ireland signed the Declaration of Independence, 
and our first President, George Washington, proudly claimed Irish 
ancestry.
    The largest wave of Irish immigration occurred 150 years ago, when 
more than 1 million people left Ireland for America as potato blight and 
famine devastated their homeland. These sons and daughters of Erin 
transformed our cities, stimulating industry and commerce from New York 
to Boston to Chicago. In pursuing the American Dream, they set an 
example of courage, hard work, and determination that was to be followed 
again and again by hopeful newcomers.
    Today, Irish Americans celebrate this history and the contributions 
that their brethren have made to all aspects of American life--providing 
leadership in Government, the law, business, finance, literature, and 
the arts. Renewed interest in Gaelic culture has led to university 
courses in Irish studies, and hundreds of Saint Patrick's Day parades 
across the country attest to the vigor of Irish American communities. 
This month and throughout the year, let us recognize the gifts brought 
to America by children of Ireland

[[Page 396]]

and honor the strengths they have added to our national character.
    In tribute to all Irish Americans, the Congress, by Public Law 103-
379, has designated March 1996 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, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 
1996 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all the people of the 
United States to observe this month 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 nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:12 a.m., March 4, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
March 5.