H. Res. 254 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

April 21, 2009. 

Whereas from the earliest days of the Nation, America has 

inspired the hopes and dreams of countless individuals 

from around the world in search of a better life for themselves and their children; 

Whereas these individuals have come to share in America’s 

gifts of freedom, justice, and opportunity, and, in turn, 

America’s democracy and great diversity owe their success in large part to these immigrants; 

Whereas, since before the United States was even founded, 

Irish men and women undertook the perilous journey to 

make their home in this place of hope and promise, making inestimable contributions to their new country, both 

during the struggle for independence and in the founding 

of the republic; 

Whereas nine of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish origin and 19 Presidents of the 

United States can proudly claim Irish heritage, including 

the first President of the United States, George Washington; 

Whereas Irish immigrants who came to the United States 

during the Great Famine of the 1840’s helped transform 

America’s largest cities, building them into dynamic cen-
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ters of commerce and industry, and the cultural, economic, and spiritual contributions of these immigrants 

continue to be evident today throughout the United 

States; 

Whereas, with strength, courage, wit, and creativity, IrishAmericans have flourished, making significant contributions in all areas of American life; 

Whereas Irish-American writers such as Eugene O’Neill, F. 

Scott Fitzgerald, and George Bernard Shaw transformed 

American literature, entrepreneurs like Henry Ford 

helped revolutionize American transportation and industry, performers such as Gregory Peck, John Wayne, and 

Helen Hayes enriched the arts, and social reformers such 

as suffragist Leonora Barry and labor organizer Mary 

Kenney O’Sullivan fought for the rights of others; 

Whereas Irish-Americans have served ably in their communities in numerous capacities, such as public safety and 

government, including four-term New York State Governor Alfred E. Smith, and in the Armed Services in 

every war in which the United States has ever fought, including patriots such as Audie Murphy, America’s most 

decorated soldier of World War II; 

Whereas approximately one in four Americans trace at least 

part of their ancestry to Ireland; 

Whereas generations of Irish-Americans have worked alongside their fellow Americans to build a more perfect 

Union, and the United States is a stronger country because of them; 

Whereas it is fitting that the House of Representatives honor 

the rich heritage, enduring contributions, and firm values 

of the Irish-Americans who continue to enrich and 
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strengthen American families, communities, ideals, and 

character; and 

Whereas President Barack Obama proclaimed March 2009 as 

Irish-American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

(1) recognizes the significant contributions of IrishAmericans in the history and progress of United States; 

and 

(2) encourages Americans to celebrate Irish-American heritage with appropriate ceremonies, programs, 

and activities. 

Attest: 

Clerk.