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 them-
selves 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 suc-
cess 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, mak-
ing 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 Inde-
pendence 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 Wash-
ington; 
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, eco-
nomic, and spiritual contributions of these immigrants 
continue to be evident today throughout the United 
States; 
Whereas, with strength, courage, wit, and creativity, Irish- 
Americans have flourished, making significant contribu-
tions 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 indus-
try, 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 commu-
nities in numerous capacities, such as public safety and 
government, including four-term New York State Gov-
ernor Alfred E. Smith, and in the Armed Services in 
every war in which the United States has ever fought, in-
cluding 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 along-
side their fellow Americans to build a more perfect 
Union, and the United States is a stronger country be-
cause 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
•HRES 254 EH 
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 Irish- 
Americans in the history and progress of United States; 
and 
(2) encourages Americans to celebrate Irish-Amer-
ican heritage with appropriate ceremonies, programs, 
and activities. 
Attest: 
Clerk.