Public Law 102–469

Joint Resolution

Designating March 1993 as “Irish-American Heritage Month”.

Whereas by 1776 nearly 300,000 natives of Ireland had emigrated to the colonies that would become the United States;

Whereas following the victory at Yorktown over the English, a French Major General reported that the Congress owed its existence, and America possibly owed its preservation, to the fidelity of the Irish;

Whereas at least 8 signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish origin;

Whereas 18 Presidents have proudly proclaimed their Irish-American heritage;

Whereas 200 years ago, Irish-born James Hoban and Irish immigrants assisted in the construction of the United States Capitol;

Whereas 190 years ago, Irish-born John Barry was the first naval hero of the American Revolution and became known as the “Father of the United States Navy”;

Whereas 180 years ago, Commodore Oliver Perry, an Irish-American, achieved his major naval victory in the Battle of Lake Erie;

Whereas 50 years ago, the USS Sullivans was commissioned as a naval memorial to the famed Irish-American Sullivan brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy and freedom in the world; and

Whereas the Governors and mayors of 37 States and cities have designated March 1993 as “Irish-American Heritage Month”: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

Approved October 23, 1992.