[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 10 (Monday, March 10, 2003)]
[Page 264]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7649--Irish-American Heritage Month, 2003

 February 28, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    From the earliest days of our Republic, America has inspired the 
hopes and dreams of countless individuals from around the world who have 
come to share in our gifts of freedom, justice, and opportunity. During 
Irish-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the contributions of these 
talented and industrious citizens and recognize their rich legacy of 
ingenuity, creativity, and achievement.
    Throughout our history, America has welcomed millions of Irish 
immigrants to its shores. These proud people arrived seeking a better 
life for themselves, their families, and future generations. Many 
courageous individuals came during the terrible years of Ireland's Great 
Famine in the middle of the 19th century, and their road to prosperity 
was not easy. Many faced significant obstacles, including discrimination 
and poverty. Despite these challenges, Irish Americans have risen to 
success in every sector of our society.
    Americans of Irish descent have played a vital role in shaping our 
history and culture. Nineteen Presidents of the United States have 
claimed Irish heritage. One-third to one-half of the American troops 
during the Revolutionary War and 9 of the 56 signers of the Declaration 
of Independence were Irish Americans. Irish Americans explored our 
frontiers, built many of our Nation's bridges, canals, and railroads, 
and their proud record of public service helped to fortify our 
democracy.
    In all areas of American life, Irish Americans have made significant 
and enduring contributions to our great country. America is a better 
Nation because of the efforts of Irish Americans like Henry Ford, who 
spurred innovation; Bing Crosby, who entertained countless people around 
the world; and activist Mary Kenney O'Sullivan, who worked for critical 
and compassionate social reform. These individuals are just a few of the 
many Irish Americans who helped to transform our national identity and 
whose accomplishments reflect the determination, joy, and hope of the 
Irish. The faith, perseverance, and spirit of the Irish have helped to 
strengthen our families, our communities, our ideals, and our national 
character.
    Today, approximately one in four Americans can trace their ancestry 
in part to Ireland's green shores, and we are proud of and grateful for 
the many Irish Americans who continue to enrich 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 States, do hereby proclaim March 2003 as Irish-
American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month 
by learning about and commemorating the contributions of Irish Americans 
to our Nation.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth 
day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:11 a.m., March 4, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
5. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.