Presidential Proclamation --
Irish-American Heritage Month, 2012
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
For centuries, America and Ireland have built a proud and enduring
partnership cemented by mutual values and a common history. Generations
of Irish have crossed the Atlantic in pursuit of prosperity, and today
nearly 40 million of their proud descendants continue to make their
indelible mark on the United States of America. Their stories, as varied
as our Nation's people, humble us and inspire our children to reach for
the opportunities dreamed about by our forebears.
Over hundreds of years, Irish men, women, and children left the homes
of their ancestors, watching the coasts of Donegal and the cliffs of
Dingle fade behind them. Boarding overcrowded ships and navigating
dangerous seas, these resilient travelers looked to the horizon with
hope in their hearts. Many left any valuables, land, or stability they
had behind, but they came instead with the true treasures of their
homeland -- song and literature, humor and tradition, faith and family.
And when they landed on our shores, they shared their gifts generously,
adding immeasurable value to towns, cities, and communities throughout
our Nation.
Today, we draw on the indomitable spirit of those Irish Americans whose
strength helped build countless miles of canals and railroads; whose
brogues echoed in mills, police stations, and fire halls across our
country; and whose blood spilled to defend a Nation and a way of life
they helped define. Defying famine, poverty, and discrimination, these
sons and daughters of Erin demonstrated extraordinary strength and
unshakable faith as they gave their all to help build an America worthy
of the journey they and so many others have taken. During Irish-American
Heritage Month, we recall their legacy of hard work and perseverance,
and we carry forward that singular dedication to forging a more
prosperous future for all Americans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2012 as
Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this
month by celebrating the contributions of Irish Americans to our
Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-sixth.
