12 2 STA T .5 2 7 7 PROCL A M AT I O N8 22 4—FEB .2 9, 2 0 08 Proclam a ti o n82 2 3 o fFeb r u ar y 2 9, 2 0 08 Irish-Ame ri canH eri t a g e Mo nth ,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Sinceth ee arl ie s t d a y s of o u r R e p u b lic ,I rish Am ericans ha v e enriched our culture w ith their faith, values, and hard wor k.D urin g the month of M arch, we celebrate the contributions of Americans who trace their ancestry back to Ireland ’ s shores. Many of the sons and daughters of E rin came to America fleeing fam - ine and poverty. T hey came with dreams of opportunity, and they helped to build our democracy and advance the cause of liberty. Irish Americans in all walks of life have made lasting contributions to our N ation, and we honor the service of Irish Americans in America’s Armed F orces. Throughout our history, those claiming Irish ancestry have helped shape and strengthen America, including as signers of the Declaration of Independence and as P residents of the U nited States. This month, we celebrate the patriotic and proud people who origi- nated from the Emerald Isle and who have played a vital role in the story of this Nation of immigrants. N OW ,T H EREFORE, I, G EORGE W. B USH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the C on- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 20 0 8 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by celebrating the contributions of Irish Americans to our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- ninth day of February, in the year of our L ord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 822 4 of February 29, 2008 N ationa lC ons u mer P rotection W ee k , 2008 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As we face new challenges in the 2 1 st century, we must work to en- sure that Americans are kept safe in the marketplace. During National Consumer Protection Week, as my Administration works with Congress to improve our consumer product safety system, we also encourage Americans to make informed financial decisions and take advantage of the resources that can help them become responsible consumers, sav- ers, and investors. This year’s theme for National Consumer Protection Week, ‘ ‘Financial Literacy
A Sound Investment,’’ encourages consumers to take steps to build a firm financial foundation. By becoming informed consumers,
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