Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 1995 / Presidential Documents 10477

Proclamation 6771 of February 23, 1995

Irish-American Heritage Month, 1995

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America’s bounty—the abundance of the fields, the beauty of the landscape,

the richness of our opportunities—has always attracted people who are

in search of a better life for themselves and their children. Our democracy

owes its success in great part to the countless immigrants who have made

their way to our shores and to the tremendous diversity this Nation has

been blessed with since its beginnings.

In March, when communities all across the country celebrate St. Patrick’s

Day, our Nation honors the rich heritage of the millions of Americans

who trace their lineage to Ireland.oming to this land even before our

Nation was founded, sons and daughters of Erin undertook the perilous

journey to make their home in a place of hope and promise. They made

inestimable contributions to their new country, both during the struggle

for independence and in the founding of the Republic. Nine of the people

who signed our Declaration of Independence were of Irish origin, and nineteen Presidents of the United States proudly claim Irish heritage—including

our first President, George Washington.

The largest wave of Irish immigrants came in the late 1840s, when the

Great Famine ravaging Ireland caused 2 million people to emigrate, mostly

to American soil. These immigrants transformed our largest cities and helped

to build them into dynamic centers of commerce and industry, and their

contributions to our smaller cities and towns are evident today in the cultural,

economic, and spiritual makeup of the communities. Throughout the country,

they faced callous discrimination: ‘‘No Irish Need Apply’’ signs were ugly

reminders of the prejudice that disfigured our society. But with indomitable

spirit and unshakable determination, they persevered. They took jobs as

laborers, built railroads, canals, and schools, and committed themselves

to creating a brighter future for their families and their new country.

Today, millions of Americans of Irish ancestry continue to enrich all aspects

of life in the United States. Irish Americans are proud to recall their heritage

and their struggle for well-deserved recognition in all walks of American

life. Throughout their history, they have held tightly to their religious faith,

their love of family, and their belief in the importance of education. The

values they brought with them from the Emerald Isle have flourished in

America—and in turn these values have helped America to flourish.

In tribute to all Irish Americans, the Congress, by Public Law 103–379,

has designated March 1995 as ‘‘Irish-American Heritage Month’’ and has

authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance

of this month.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States

of America, do hereby proclaim March 1995 as Irish-American Heritage

Month.
10478 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 1995 / Presidential Documents

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third

day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninetyfive, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two

[FR Doc. 95–4909

Filed 2–23–95; 3:11 pm]

Billing code 3195–01–P

hundred and nineteenth.

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