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Showing posts from March, 2009

President Obama Nominates Daniel Rooney as Ambassador to Ireland

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 17, 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today at the White House, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Daniel Rooney as the Ambassador to Ireland. President Obama said, "I am honored and grateful that such a dedicated and accomplished individual has agreed to serve as the representative of the United States to the Irish people. Dan Rooney is an unwavering supporter of Irish peace, culture, and education, and I have every confidence that he and Secretary Clinton will ensure America’s continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead." Dan Rooney is the recent recipient of the American Ireland Fund’s Lifetime Achievement Award and honorary Commander of the British Empire for contributions to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, has played an integral role in the Irish peace process since the early 1970s. I

President Obama Declares March 2009 as Irish-American Heritage Month

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _______________________________________ For Immediate Release March 2, 2009 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Even before the birth of our Nation, the sons and daughters of Erin departed their homes in search of liberty and a more hopeful future. As these early pioneers left familiar lands, they carried with them the rich traditions of home. This March we honor their journey and their lasting contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Following the colonial migrations, the United States enjoyed the greatest influx of Irish during the 1840s as Ireland suffered the Great Famine. Hungry but hopeful, poor but perseverant, Irish-Americans seized the opportunity to work hard, enjoy success, and pursue the American Dream.Many took on the difficult work of constructing America's infrastructure. Others assumed positions of leadership. Among those leaders were signers of the Declaration of Indepen