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Articles
Presidential Proclamations
http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=19412
FF for SF forum in SF
By Irish Echo Staff
letters@irishecho.com
June 24, 2009 The recent "Unite Ireland Forum" held in New York will reconvene in San Francisco this weekend and actress Fionnula Flanagan is listed as a headliner speaker at the event being organized by Sinn Féin.
Party president Gerry Adams is scheduled to hold a press conference to announce details of the forum on Friday with the gathering itself set for Saturday at the Hall of St. Anne, 850 Judah Street starting at 2 p.m.
As was the case in New York, the theme of the forum is being billed as "United Ireland - How Do We Get There?"
In addition to Flanagan, the expected speakers at the forum at presstime are Irish artists Robert Ballagh, Professor Ruan O'Donnell and John Burton, chairman of the California Democratic Party.
Scroll down for both A Proclamation by President Barack Obama and a message from the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, from the Ardoyne in the six counties.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
Released March 2, 2009
IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Even before the birth of our Nation, the sons and daughters of Erin departed their homes in search of liberty and a more hopeful future. As these early pioneers left familiar lands, they carried with them the rich traditions of home. This March we honor their journey and their lasting contributions to the history and culture of the United States .
Following the colonial migrations, the United States enjoyed the greatest influx of Irish during the 1840s as Ireland suffered the Great Famine. Hungry but hopeful, poor but perseverant, Irish-Americans seized the opportunity to work hard, enjoy success, and pursue the American Dream.
Many took on the difficult work of constructing America 's infrastructure. Others assumed positions of leadership. Among those leaders were signers of the Declaration of Independence and Presidents of the United States . Still others enjoyed great success and influence in the arts and literature. >From social activists to business leaders, athletes to clergy, and first responders to soldiers, distinguished Irish-Americans have made indelible contributions to our national identity.
Today, tens of millions of Irish-Americans can look back with pride on the legacy of their forebears. Irish-Americans are integral to the rich fabric of the United States , and we are grateful for their service and contributions.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America , by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States , do hereby proclaim March 2009 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA
St. Patrick's Day Greetings from President McAleese
Beannachtai na Feile Padraig ar chlann mhor dhomhanda na nGael, sa bhaile agus ar fud na cruinne, ar an la naisiunta ceiliurtha seo.
Warmest St Patrick's Day Greetings to everyone taking part in this happy festival celebration, in Ireland and around the world. This is our time for showcasing the spirit of the Irish through our wonderful culture and heritage, our gift for friendship and our love of life. We will gather in both the most obvious and the most obscure of places under the patronage of St. Patrick, a man, an immigrant to Ireland whose life was one of outrageous hardship and outstanding endurance. The chances are that wherever the Irish, and their neighbours and friends gather this St. Patrick's Day they will be making a very determined effort to find joy in adversity and a moment of distraction from serious economic and financial worries that face our country and our world.
St Patrick's own personal story is one of facing into huge difficulties and hardships, not of his own making. His coping skills
were sorely tested. In the Deer's Cry, the beautiful poem attributed to him he says, "I arise today, through a mighty strength". We have our own mighty strength, in the goodness, decency and hard work of so many individuals, in our uniquely strong and robust sense of community, in our history of overcoming hardship, our culture of welcome, our investment in peace and in our ability on St. Patrick's Day to be family to one another from Beijing to Bahrain and from Belfast to Bantry. We know that our patron saint would encourage us to work with each other, for each other and work through these
difficulties to a better future for everyone.
Behind every St. Patrick's Day gathering wherever it is in the world there is a story of men and women who came together to celebrate being Irish, whether by birth or by association. They are part of a generations old tradition of volunteering help to one another, and of being community to one another. I thank all of them for the many ways in which they bring such noble and life-enhancing qualities into our world and for the fun, enjoyment and happy memories they help create for us through St. Patrick's Day 2009.
To each and every one of you, I wish a wonderful St. Patrick's festival. Enjoy every moment of it and may the spirit of St Patrick
be with you and your families on this day and every day. May that mighty strength be yours as it was his.
MARY McALEESE
PRESIDENT OF IRELAND
MARCH, 2009
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