Dated: March 13, 2024
RECOGNITION OF MARCH AS
IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, in March, we celebrate Irish American Heritage Month to recognize the Irish immigrants who sought a new beginning in the United States; and WHEREAS, Irish-American Heritage Month was first celebrated by proclamation of the President in 1991. It seemed natural to choose March since Saint Patrick Day falls on March 17, for the month-long recognition of the contributions that Irish immigrants and their descendants have made to U.S. society; and WHEREAS, it’s important to reflect on the anti-immigrant sentiment that was often faced by new Irish-Americans, largely a result of their Catholicism, which clashed with the predominantly Protestant backgrounds of the majority of families whose members had been among the original colonists; and
WHEREAS, this month we recognize not only the overcoming of those obstacles by Irish Americans but also the incredible breadth and depth of their contributions to American society, from the Union’s edge over the Confederacy in the Civil War to the intellectual contributions that have kept our country on the top tiers of accomplishment; and
WHEREAS, their pride lives on in business owners, scientists, public safety workers, and labor leaders who hold dear the Irish belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity; and
WHEREAS, their courage runs deep in so many first responders, public servants, and brave service members who defend our lives and liberties – the same liberties that so many Irish immigrants and Irish Americans helped preserve and protect.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby proclaim March 2024 as Irish American Heritage Month, and the Ireland flag is proudly flying from the Mayor’s Balcony at City Hall. ___________________________________
James Coleman, Mayor, District 4
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Eddie Flores, Vice Mayor, District 5
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Mark Addiego, Councilmember, District 1
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Mark Nagales Councilmember, District 2
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Flor Nicolas, Councilmember, District 3