It’s the beginning of the month, and time for the White House to acknowledge the diversity of interests in America.
Along with proclaiming Women’s History Month, Read Across America Day, American Red Cross Month and the 100th birthday of Rosa Parks, President Obama has also recognized Irish-Americans.
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From Mr. Obama’s official proclamation:
“Generations of Irish left the land of their forebears to cast their fortunes with a young Republic. Escaping the blight of famine or the burden of circumstance, many found hardship even here. They endured prejudice and stinging ridicule. But through it all, these new citizens never gave up on one of our oldest ideas: that anyone from anywhere can write the next great chapter in the American story. So they raised families and built communities, earned a living and sent their kids to school. In time, what it meant to be Irish helped define what it means to be American. And as they did their part to make this country stronger, Irish Americans shared in its success, retaining the best of their heritage and passing it down to their children.”
“That familiar story has been lived and cherished by Americans from all backgrounds, and it reaffirms our identity as a nation of immigrants from all around the world. So as we celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month, let us retell those stories of sweat and striving. And as two nations united by people and principle, may America and Ireland always continue to move forward together in common purpose.”
