[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 9 (Monday, March 3, 1997)]
[Pages 263-264]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6974--Irish-American Heritage Month, 1997

February 27, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Throughout the history of the United States, from the founding of 
our republic to the modern spread of our cultural influence around the 
globe, American life has been enriched continuously by the contributions 
of Irish Americans.

[[Page 264]]

    Although thousands of immigrants from Ireland had already come to 
America before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the 
largest number emigrated from their homeland in the middle of the 19th 
century, when devastating famine overtook their native Ireland. Many 
moved into our cities, where their hard work helped American industries, 
their political skills energized local government, and their culture 
added richness to urban neighborhoods. Others, freshly arrived from 
Cork, Kilkenny, or Belfast, kept moving all the way to the American 
West. Wherever they went, they added their muscle to the building of our 
railroads, bridges, tunnels, and canals, and they applied their minds to 
the shaping of American law and letters. And their values were 
exemplified by a firm confidence in education, a dedication to the work 
ethic, and a deep belief in God.
    America offered these new citizens abundant opportunities and the 
freedom to exercise their talents in a country that was still less than 
100 years old. In return, Ireland added immensely to the American 
national character. This month, when communities all across the Nation 
celebrate St. Patrick's Day, we honor the millions of Americans who 
trace their lineage to Ireland.
    Our country has been blessed by the rich legacy of famous Americans 
whose ancestors emigrated to our shores from Ireland. Georgia O'Keefe, 
Edgar Allen Poe, and F. Scott Fitzgerald are just a few among the many 
whose talents have graced the arts. Andrew Mellon and Henry Ford 
excelled in business and finance. Will Rogers, Spencer Tracy, Bing 
Crosby, and John Wayne have entertained us. Pierce Butler signed the 
Constitution, General Douglas MacArthur led the Allied Forces in the 
Pacific during World War II, and Sandra Day O'Connor became the first 
woman to sit on our Supreme Court.
    But let us not forget the sacrifices, dedication, and profound 
achievements of the thousands of less well-known Irish Americans who 
have labored to make the United States a country of which we all can be 
proud. They were--and continue to be--motivated by their deep commitment 
and fervent loyalty to family, friends, community, and country. This 
month we honor them and thank them for their efforts.
     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 
1997 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 twenty-seventh 
day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-
seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two 
hundred and twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:54 a.m., February 28, 
1997]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
3.