HomeMy WebLinkAboutIrish-American Heritage Month 3-2012 E Ak
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WHEREAS, by 1776, nearly 300,000 Irish nationals emigrated to the American
colonies and played a crucial role in America's War for Independence; and
WHEREAS, eighteen Presidents have proudly proclaimed their Irish American
heritage; and
WHEREAS, in 1892, Irish born James Hoban provided the architectural plans for the
White House and served as one of the supervising architects for the construction of the
Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Irish born Commodore John Barry was recognized by the United States
Congress in September 2002 as the "First Flag Officer of the United States Navy "; and
WHEREAS, Commodore John Barry fought the last sea battle of the American
Revolution off the coast of Florida; and
WHEREAS, in 1942, the five Sullivan brothers made the ultimate sacrifice for
democracy and freedom during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal and later had the Destroyer
USS Sullivan commissioned in their memory; and
WHEREAS, the Irish first came to Spanish "La Floridd' in the 1500s — first as
missionaries and mercenary soldiers and then as planters, traders, businessmen, doctors and
administrators; and
WHEREAS, three Spanish Governors of "La Floridd' were actually Irish military
officers; and
WHEREAS, Fr. Richard Arthur, an Irish -born priest from Limerick who was
appointed parish priest for St. Augustine in 1597 and ecclesiastical judge of "La Florida,"
established the first public school in America and opened it to both boys and girls of all races;
and
WHEREAS, Irish Americans, since America's inception, have provided and continue
to provide leadership and service to this nation's political, business and religious establishments;
and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and the many
valuable contributions of Irish Americans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rocky Randels, Mayor of the City of Cape Canaveral,
Brevard County, Florida, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2012, as:
IRISH - AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
In the City of Cape Canaveral and do hereby encourage our citizens to observe the month by
participating in appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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