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March Declared Irish-American Heritage Month in U.S.

Proclamation honors people of Irish descent who helped shape the nation

Calling the story of the Irish in America "an important part of the history of our country," President George W. Bush has proclaimed March as Irish-American Heritage Month. The president's proclamation recognizes the service of notable early Irish - Americans Charles Thompson and Commodore John Barry, as well as former presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

Lauding Irish-American contributions to commerce, culture and public service, the president's proclamation declares "The Irish are a significant reason why Americans will always be proud to call ourselves a Nation of immigrants."
Following is the official proclamation:

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
March 4, 2005

IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2005
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION
The story of the Irish in America is an important part of the history of our country. This month, we pay tribute to Americans of Irish descent who have shaped our Nation and influenced American life.
Long before the great wave of Irish immigration in the 1840s, people of Irish ancestry were defining and defending our Nation. Charles Thomson, an Irishman by birth, served as Secretary of the Continental Congress and helped design the Great Seal of the United States. Irish-born Commodore John Barry fought for our country's independence and later helped found the United States Navy.
Irish Americans have been leaders in our public life, and they have retained a proud reverence for their heritage. In June 1963, President John F. Kennedy spoke to the Parliament in Dublin and told the story of the Irish Brigade, a regiment that fought valiantly for the Union and suffered terrible losses during the Civil War. Two decades after President Kennedy's visit, President Ronald Reagan returned to his great-grandfather's hometown in County Tipperary, Ireland, and greeted the crowd in their own Irish language.
The industry, talent, and imagination of Irish Americans have enriched our commerce and our culture. Their strong record of public service has fortified our democracy. Their strong ties to family, faith, and community have strengthened our Nation's character. The Irish are a significant reason why Americans will always be proud to call ourselves a Nation of immigrants.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 2005 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 fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

Image: The 'Erin Go Bragh' (Ireland Forever) flag is known as the 'Irish-American' flag and was carried by Irish Soldiers during the American Civil War.