History of Irish-American Heritage Month
Irish-American Heritage Month was first celebrated by presidential proclamation in 1991. It seemed natural to choose March (St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17) to recognize for a month the contributions that Irish immigrants and their descendants brought to the United States. Company. Virtually every area of American activity, from steelmaking to biotechnology to literature, has seen improvements thanks to the hands and minds of Irish origin.
The tradition of the Presidential Proclamation continues each year, with Ireland’s most senior political figure, the Taoiseach, visiting to lead a shamrock ceremony in the Oval Office, followed in the evening by a reception attended by the president and the president. other key figures from both governments.
Most people know the basic facts of the influx of Irish families to the shores of the United States during the 19th century, with the image of the Irish immigrant drafted into the army minutes after stepping off the boat perhaps being -to be the most anchored in people’s minds. former primary school history students.
What is less talked about is the anti-immigration sentiment that new Irish-Americans often faced, largely because of their Catholicism, which clashed with the predominantly Protestant origins of the majority of families whose members were a part of it. of the first settlers. Irish-Americans faced stiff competition, even biased legislation, in their search for good jobs and a place to call home.
This month, we recognize not only that Irish-Americans overcame these obstacles, but also the incredible breadth and depth of their contributions to American society, from the Union’s advantage over the Confederacy in the Civil War to the intellectual contributions that kept our country alive. the highest levels of achievement.
