President George W. Bush yesterday decreed March as Irish-American Heritage Month with a proclamation that paid tribute to the role of the Irish in the history of the US.
"America has been shaped by the principles of liberty and freedom, guided by the pursuit of justice and enriched by the diversity of its people. Irish-Americans have been an essential part of this development, greatly contributing to our nation's progress and prosperity," the proclamation said.
Mr Bush said: "Since our nation's founding, millions of Irish have emigrated to this country to embrace the vibrant promise of new opportunity that America offers. Some came to America seeking the freedom to worship as they pleased.
"Others came in the wake of the devastating Irish potato famine of 1845-1849, which caused one million deaths in Ireland and led nearly 1.5 million Irish to emigrate.
"And the many successes of the Irish immigrants in America proved to be a continuing draw to their friends and family who remained in Ireland. The Irish brought with them a spirit of life and an ethic of work that helped to enliven our culture and enabled them to prosper in their new land.
"George Washington's Continental Army had over 20 generals of Irish descent.
"Americans proudly claiming Irish heritage have held positions of national leadership, including Presidents George Washington, Andrew Jackson, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, and Supreme Court Justices William J. Brennan jnr and Sandra Day O'Connor.
"And numerous Irish-Americans have enjoyed great success in the arts and entertainment field, including Buster Keaton, Stephen Foster and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
"Throughout our history, America has been greatly blessed by the innumerable contributions of Irish-Americans.
"This month we celebrate these great people and the heritage of their beautiful ancestral homeland, Ireland."