Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 107 Part 3.djvu/687

 PROCLAMATION 6533—MAR. 6, 1993 107 STAT. 2625 Irish men and women came to the United States during that period. They moved primarily into our great cities, which they quickly transformed into the bustling beehives of activity that they have been ever since. Confronted by prejudice and sign after sign proclaiming "No Irish Need Apply," the new immigrants immersed themselves in the politics of such cities as New York, Boston, and Chicago. In fact, the political legacy of the Irish-American community may well be the most important of all its contributions to our Nation. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, as well as 16 other Presidents, have proudly proclaimed their Irish-American heritage. America has been blessed by the leadership of other Irish Americans as well, including Mike Mansfield, Tip O'Neill, and Tom Foley in the Congress, and Al Smith, Ray Flynn, and Richard Daley at the State and local levels. However, the contributions of Irish Americans go well beyond politics. In Washington, D.C., alone, James Hoban designed and supervised the construction of the White House and assisted in the construction of the Capitol; Colonel Thomas Lincoln Casey completed the construction of the Washington Monument after it had been abandoned during the Civil War; and William Wilson Corcoran founded the gallery that now bears his name. Irish Americans have also enriched the culture of their adopted land. Whether we think of Finley Peter Dvmne, who satirized politics in the early 20th century; Jimmy Breslin, who has done much the same more recently; or Eugene O'Neill, one of the great playwrights of all time, the Irish contribution to American literature is broad and deep. In the performing arts, composer George M. Cohan, dancer Gene Kelly, and actress Grace Kelly have come to symbolize America to the world. In tribute to all Irish Americans, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 500, has designated March 1993 as "Irish-American Heritage Month" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this month. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 1993 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I urge all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventeenth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON

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