07-R160

2007 -- S 0910

Enacted 03/29/07

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH ANNUALLY AS "IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators McCaffrey, Goodwin, Perry, McBurney, and Doyle

Date Introduced: March 29, 2007

     WHEREAS, Irish-American Heritage Month was first established by a Congressional

Proclamation in 1995 to celebrate and honor the glorious contributions that Irish-Americans have

made to the growth and development of the United States of America; and

     WHEREAS, In the 1840's, Irish immigrants flocked to this country's shores, emigrating

from Ireland in search of the great American dream. Today, more than thirty-four million

Americans proudly claim an Irish ancestry, and twenty-one percent of Rhode Island's population

is of Irish descent; and

     WHEREAS, Irish immigrants came to this country and our beautiful state with the desire

to build a better life for themselves and for their families. Over the years they have shaped and

influenced virtually every area of life in our state, and have had a bright and profound influence

on our country's great history; and

     WHEREAS, Irish-Americans helped to settle the American frontier and build our cities.

They have strengthened our economy, contributed to the arts, and shown their devotion to this

country by serving in government and the Armed Forces. Their sacrifices, talents and

imagination have fortified and upheld our democracy and enriched our culture; and

     WHEREAS, Notable Irishmen such as Commodore John Barry fought for America's

independence and later helped to found the United States Navy. Charles Thomson served as the

Secretary of the Continental Congress and helped design the Great Seal of the United States.

Davy Crockett and Sam Houston helped settle the West. President John F. Kennedy, one of our

country's most beloved Presidents, was of Irish descent, and President Ronald Reagan's great

grandfather hailed from County Tipperary in Ireland; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout the decades, Irish-American's dedication to faith and family has

formed the bedrock of many American communities, and has enriched our nation's character and

spirit; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby designates the month of March annually to be "Irish-American Heritage Month" in the

State of Rhode Island. We furthermore urge all the citizens of the state to remember and

celebrate our state's rich diversity, and the historic contributions of our Irish-American brothers

and sisters; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Newport Irish Heritage Association, the

Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

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LC02771

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