[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 9 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Page 309]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8223--Irish-American Heritage Month, 2008

 February 29, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Since the earliest days of our Republic, Irish Americans have 
enriched our culture with their faith, values, and hard work. During the 
month of March, we celebrate the contributions of Americans who trace 
their ancestry back to Ireland's shores.
    Many of the sons and daughters of Erin came to America fleeing 
famine and poverty. They came with dreams of opportunity, and they 
helped to build our democracy and advance the cause of liberty. Irish 
Americans in all walks of life have made lasting contributions to our 
Nation, and we honor the service of Irish Americans in America's Armed 
Forces. Throughout our history, those claiming Irish ancestry have 
helped shape and strengthen America, including as signers of the 
Declaration of Independence and as Presidents of the United States.
    This month, we celebrate the patriotic and proud people who 
originated from the Emerald Isle and who have played a vital role in the 
story of this Nation of immigrants.
    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 2008 as Irish-
American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month 
by celebrating the contributions of Irish Americans to our Nation.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth 
day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:55 a.m., March 4, 
2008]

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.