[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 10 (Monday, March 11, 2002)]
[Page 335]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7526--Irish-American Heritage Month, 2002

 March 2, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America has been shaped by the principles of liberty and freedom, 
guided by the pursuit of justice, and enriched by the diversity of its 
people. Irish Americans have been an essential part of this development, 
greatly contributing to our Nation's progress and prosperity.
    Our country's citizens come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, 
which has enabled us to realize the vision embodied in our first 
national motto: ``E Pluribus Unum,'' meaning ``Out of many, one.'' Our 
forbears discovered the value inherent in this ideal, building a Nation 
where all people can live free, be equal under the law, and find 
opportunity for success in our free-enterprise system. From all points 
on earth, people of different races, faiths, and ethnicities came to 
this land to become Americans and thus heirs and stewards of the 
Founders' vision. This convergence of cultures contributed to the rich 
fabric of our Nation, uniquely threading together many divergent ideas, 
tastes, and traditions. Today, we enjoy a society shaped by this 
history, one Nation under one flag. Our Nation's response to the 
terrible events of September 11 demonstrated vividly the reality of the 
unity and resolve of our diverse people.
    Since our Nation's founding, millions of Irish have emigrated to 
this country to embrace the vibrant promise of new opportunity that 
America offers. Some came to America seeking the freedom to worship as 
they pleased. Others came in the wake of the devastating Irish potato 
famine of 1845-1849, which caused 1 million deaths in Ireland and led 
nearly 1.5 million Irish to emigrate. And the many successes of the 
Irish immigrants in America proved to be a continuing draw to their 
friends and family who remained in Ireland. The Irish brought with them 
a spirit of life and an ethic of work that helped to enliven our culture 
and enabled them to prosper in their new land.
    George Washington's Continental Army had over 20 generals of Irish 
descent. Americans proudly claiming Irish heritage have held positions 
of national leadership, including Presidents George Washington, Andrew 
Jackson, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan and Supreme Court Justices 
William J. Brennan, Jr., and Sandra Day O'Connor. And numerous Irish 
Americans have enjoyed great success in the arts and entertainment 
field, including Buster Keaton, Stephen Foster, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
    Throughout our history, America has been greatly blessed by the 
innumerable contributions of Irish Americans. This month we celebrate 
these great people and the heritage of their beautiful ancestral 
homeland, Ireland.
    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 States, do hereby proclaim March 2002 as Irish-
American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month 
by learning about and commemorating the contributions of Irish 
Americans.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of 
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., March 5, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on March 4, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
March 6.