[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7526]

Proc. 7526

Proclamation 7526 of March 2, 2002

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          America has been shaped by the principles of liberty and 
          freedom, guided by the pursuit of justice, and enriched by the 
          diversity of its people. Irish Americans have been an 
          essential part of this development, greatly contributing to 
          our Nation's progress and prosperity.
          Our country's citizens come from diverse backgrounds and 
          cultures, which has enabled us to realize the vision embodied 
          in our first national motto: ``E Pluribus Unum,'' meaning 
          ``Out of many, one.'' Our forbears discovered the value 
          inherent in this ideal, building a Nation where all people can 
          live free, be equal under the law, and find opportunity for 
          success in our free-enterprise system. From all points on 
          earth, people of different races, faiths, and ethnicities came 
          to this land to become Americans and thus heirs and stewards 
          of the Founders' vision. This convergence of cultures 
          contributed to the rich fabric of our Nation, uniquely 
          threading together many divergent ideas, tastes, and 
          traditions. Today, we enjoy a society shaped by this history, 
          one Nation under one flag. Our Nation's response to the 
          terrible

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          events of September 11 demonstrated vividly the reality of the 
          unity and resolve of our diverse people.
          Since our Nation's founding, millions of Irish have emigrated 
          to this country to embrace the vibrant promise of new 
          opportunity that America offers. Some came to America seeking 
          the freedom to worship as they pleased. Others came in the 
          wake of the devastating Irish potato famine of 1845-1849, 
          which caused 1 million deaths in Ireland and led nearly 1.5 
          million Irish to emigrate. And the many successes of the Irish 
          immigrants in America proved to be a continuing draw to their 
          friends and family who remained in Ireland. The Irish brought 
          with them a spirit of life and an ethic of work that helped to 
          enliven our culture and enabled them to prosper in their new 
          land.
          George Washington's Continental Army had over 20 generals of 
          Irish descent. Americans proudly claiming Irish heritage have 
          held positions of national leadership, including Presidents 
          George Washington, Andrew Jackson, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald 
          Reagan and Supreme Court Justices William J. Brennan, Jr., and 
          Sandra Day O'Connor. And numerous Irish Americans have enjoyed 
          great success in the arts and entertainment field, including 
          Buster Keaton, Stephen Foster, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
          Throughout our history, America has been greatly blessed by 
          the innumerable contributions of Irish Americans. This month 
          we celebrate these great people and the heritage of their 
          beautiful ancestral homeland, Ireland.
          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 2002 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call 
          upon all Americans to observe this month by learning about and 
          commemorating the contributions of Irish Americans.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second 
          day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of 
          the Independence of the United States of America the two 
          hundred and twenty-sixth.

GEORGE W. BUSH