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 Proclamations Proc. 7527 events of September ll 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 coun- try 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 lg45- \177840, which caused \177 million deaths in Ireland and led nearly \177.5 million Irish to emigrate. And the many successes of the Irish immigrants in Amer- ica proved to be a continuing draw to their friends and family who re- mained 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 WashingtoWs Continental Army had over 20 generals of Irish de- scent. Americans proudly claiming Irish heritage have held positions of na- tional leadership, including Presidents George Washington, Andrew lack- son, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan and Supreme Court \177ustices Wil- liam \177. Brennan, \177r., and Sandra Day O'Connor. And numerous Irish Ameri- cans have enjoyed great success in the arts and entertainment field, includ- ing Buster Keaton, Stephen Foster, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Throughout our history, America has been greatly blessed by the innumer- able 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-Amer- ican 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 Proclamation 7527 of March 2, 2002 National Colerectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation This year, more than \17748,000 people will be diagnosed with co]orecta] can- cer, and more than 56,000 people will die from this disease. Colorectal can- cer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, yet it is one of the most highly preventable forms of cancer. Early diagnosis is critical to survival. Research shows that 91 percent of patients with lo- calized co]orecta] cancer survive for 5 years after diagnosis, yet only 37 percent of all diagnoses occur at this stage. The remaining 63 percent of cases are not discovered until the disease has spread throughout the body. 13

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