[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 9 (Monday, March 5, 2001)]
[Pages 347-348]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7409--Irish-American Heritage Month, 2001

 February 26, 2001

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Beginning from the earliest years of settlement, millions of 
Ireland's people have emigrated to America's shores. This immigration 
reached a particular peak during the terrible years of the Great Famine 
more than 150 years ago. Irish immigrants, from professionals to 
laborers, made an enormous contribution to the building of our Nation.
    The Irish who came to America endured many hardships but have 
prevailed to play vital roles in every chapter of our country's history. 
Nine of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish 
origin, and 19 Presidents of the United States have proudly claimed 
Irish heritage--including George Washington, Andrew Jackson, John F. 
Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. Irish Americans have served with distinction 
in every war this Nation has fought, from Revolutionaries John Barry and 
Stephen Moylan to General Douglas MacArthur. Other influential and 
renowned figures of Irish descent include pioneers Buffalo Bill Cody, 
Daniel Boone, and Davy Crockett; authors Flannery O'Connor, Eugene 
O'Neill, and John O'Hara; Civil War photographer Matthew Brady; and 
entertainers Jackie Gleason, Gene Kelly, and John Wayne. These 
distinguished Americans represent only a small sampling of the men and 
women whose legacy has forever changed our national identity and who 
trace their ancestry to Ireland's green shores.
    Today, the more than 44 million Americans who claim Irish heritage 
look back with pride on the achievements and contributions of their 
forebears. Irish Americans have distinguished themselves in every sector 
of American life. We are all enriched, strengthened, and blessed by 
their service to our country.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United

[[Page 348]]

States, do hereby proclaim March 2001 as Irish-American Heritage Month. 
I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this month 
with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth 
day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 28, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
1.