President Obama officially launches Irish-American Heritage Month, 2013

Kicking off March’s St. Patrick’s Day, a celebration in a sea of green and remembering how the Irish shaped America

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Taoiseach Enda Kenny gives US President Barack Obama a bowl of shamrock during a St. Patrick's Day reception in the East Room of the White House, on Thursday, March 17, 2011, during his visit to Washington, DC.

Photo by Leslie E. Kossoff/LK Photos

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On Thursday evening President Barack Obama issued a proclamation officially announcing the launch of Irish-American Heritage Month, 2013. With ancestral roots in Moneygall, County Offaly, Obama referred to Ireland’s tradition of immigration to the United States, their contribution and inspiration.

The President drew to mind those immigrants who helped to shape and build America and also commented on how the tiny island of Ireland has “inspired” so many.

“For more than two centuries, America has been made and remade by striving, hopeful immigrants looking for a chance to pursue their dreams,” the President said.

“Millions among them were born in Ireland, separated from our shores but united by their belief in a better day. This month, we celebrate the Irish-American journey, and we reflect on the ways a nation so small has inspired so much in another.

“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.” 
 

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