March 7, 2005

On this day in 2005, President George W. Bush proclaimed March 2006 to be Irish-American Heritage Month. The following February, he issued a statement saying, “The histories of Ireland and the United States are deeply intertwined. For generations, the sons and daughters of Ireland have come to America with a spirit of determination and optimism that has strengthened our Nation’s character and enriched our history … Their hard work, firm values, and strong faith have made our Nation a better place.” His father, President George H.W. Bush, signed Public Law 101-428 in 1990, which proclaimed March 1991 as the first Irish American Heritage Month. This legislation was introduced in Congress at the suggestion of The American Foundation for Irish Heritage.