PUBLIC LAW 102-469—OCT. 23, 1992 106 STAT. 2287 Public Law 102-469 102d Congress 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 M^jor 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, That March 1993 is designated as "Irish-American Heritage Month", and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling Oct. 23, 1992 [H.J. Res. 500]
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