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 Independence and Presidents of the United States. Still others enjoyed great success and influence in the arts and literature. From social activists to business leaders, athletes to clergy, and first responders to soldiers, distinguished Irish-Americans have made indelible contributions to our national identity.

Today, tens of millions of Irish-Americans can look back with pride on the legacy of their forebears. Irish-Americans are integral to the rich fabric of the United States, and we are grateful for their service and contributions.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Barack Obama, 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 2009 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

Comments

Joe Biden Announces Kamala Harris as his Vice-President Running Mate

Here is Joe Biden's statement on his selection of Kamala Harris to be his Vice-President running mate in the 2020 election: You make a lot of important decisions as president. But the first one is who you select to be your Vice President. I’ve decided that Kamala Harris is the best person to help me take this fight to Donald Trump and Mike Pence and then to lead this nation starting in January 2021. These aren’t normal times. For the first time in our history, we’re facing three historic crises -- all at the same time. We’re facing the worst pandemic in 100 years. The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The most powerful calls for racial justice in a generation. And we have a president who has both failed to lead on the virus -- costing lives and decimating our economy -- and fanned the flames of hate and division. I need someone working alongside me who is smart, tough, and ready to lead. Kamala is that person. I need someone who understands the pain that so many peo...

President Obama Urges Congress to Pass Immigration Reform Legislation this Year

This week, President Barack Obama urged Republicans and Democrats alike to pass an Immigration Reform bill this year. Speaking at the White House and surrounded by business officials, community leaders, religious clergy and immigration experts, the president expressed an urgency to "modernize our legal immigration system, so that even as we train American workers for the jobs of the future, we’re also attracting highly-skilled entrepreneurs from beyond our borders to join with us to create jobs here in the United States." Read the full text of the speech here. Find out more about the White House immigration reform initiative . Follow Irish Americans for Obama on twitter .

United States - Northern Ireland Economic Conference Set for October 19 in Washington D.C.

The U.S. State Department is hosting a one-day economic conference to showcase American investment opportunities in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, October 19, 2010, at the U.S. State Department. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will preside over the conference of 70-80 participants. The conference was announced on March 17, 2010 following a meeting with President Barack Obama, Secretary Clinton and leaders from Northern Ireland, according to Declan Kelly , US Envoy to Northern Ireland. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are expected to represent Northern Ireland at the conference. Executives from American corporations already doing business in Northern Ireland will share their experiences with corporate executives who are considering investment there. Key partners involved in the conference include Tourism Ireland , the U.S. Consulate in Belfast and the Ireland Funds . For a full list of partners, click here . The conference is part of an ongoing...

Irish Americans for Biden Harris

Search This Blog