Presidential Documents

9677

Federal Register

Vol. 62, No. 41

Monday, March 3, 1997

Title 3—

The President

Proclamation 6974 of February 27, 1997

Irish-American Heritage Month, 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.

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.
9678 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 41 / Monday, March 3, 1997 / Presidential Documents

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 IrishAmerican 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 ninetyseven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two

[FR Doc. 97–5351

Filed 2–28–97; 10:54 am]

Billing code 3195–01–P

hundred and twenty-first.

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