104 STAT. 906 PUBLIC LAW 101-418—OCT. 12, 1990 Public Law 101-418 101st Congress Joint Resolution Oct. 12, 1990 [H.J. Res. 482] Designating March 1991 as "Irish-American Heritage Month". Whereas by 1776 nearly 300,000 natives of Ireland had emigrated to the United States; Whereas, following the victory at Yorktown over the English, a French Major General reported that Congress owed its existence, and America, possibly her preservation, to the fidelity of the Irish; Whereas at least 8 signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish origin; Whereas Charles Thomson, born in Ireland, was Secretary of the Continental Congress; Whereas Irish-born James Hoban designed the White House, the State and war offices, and assisted in the building of the United States Capitol; Whereas on March 17, 1990, Saint Patrick's Day, 206 community parades honored the patron saint of Ireland; Whereas more than 480 institutions of higher learning in the United States offer courses in Irish studies; Whereas the Irish and Irish descendants have contributed greatly to the enrichment of all aspects of life in the United States, including military and governmental service, science, education, art, agriculture, business, industry, and athletics; and Whereas, in the 1980 census, 40,700,000 individuals in the United States claimed to be of Irish descent: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That March 1991 is designated as "Irish-American Heritage Month", and the President of the United States of America is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved October 12, 1990. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 482: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 136 (1990): Aug. 3, considered and passed House. Oct. 1, considered and passed Senate. 49-139 O ' 90 (418)
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