LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 2015 as Irish American Heritage Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, From America's earliest days, Irish immigrants and their
descendants have contributed leadership, wisdom, and vitality to Ameri-
ca, through nine signers of the Declaration of Independence and 22 Pres-
idents with Irish roots as well as the indelible mark Irish Americans
have made in the shaping of the great State and City of New York,
through numerous Governors, Legislators, Mayors and public officials;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout their long history, the Irish have been ardent in
their passion for liberty, hatred of oppression and renowned for their
loyalty and thus, the Irish have, from the beginning, been prominent in
the defense of this Nation, with 20 of George Washington's generals and
an estimated quarter of his Army being composed of Irish Americans,
among them Timothy Murphy, a hero of the pivotal battle of Saratoga, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Irish Americans have distinguished themselves ever since
whenever their country has called on them, as typified in the storied
"Fighting 69th" of New York who fought with courage and sacrifice on the
Battlefields of the American Civil War, World War I and whose Gaelic
battle cry of "Faugh an Beallach" is still heard this day in Iraq and
Afghanistan in defense of our country; and
WHEREAS, The first Congressional Medal of Honor for the current
conflict in Afghanistan was awarded to Navy Seal Lieutenant Michael P.
Murphy of Smithtown, New York, who made the supreme sacrifice for his
country; and
WHEREAS, Millions of Irish arrived in New York City in the mid-19th
Century, escaping hunger and injustice in their homeland, and where New
York has long been a haven for immigrants, being the home of the "golden
door" of Ellis Island, where the first immigrant to enter through its
passages to a new life in America was 15 year-old Annie Moore of Cork,
Ireland; and
WHEREAS, Irish immigrants and their descendants have contributed to
the building of this great society not only by the laying of railroads
and the building of physical bridges, but also by building bridges of
the mind amongst all people through the founding of numerous schools,
colleges and universities, enhancing the quality of every phase of life
for all New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Irish American women have a long and proud tradition of being
visionaries and trailblazers, whether it be Annie Sullivan, the teacher
of Helen Keller, crusading journalist Nelly Bly or New York's own Colo-
nel Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a Space Shuttle; and
WHEREAS, Since 1762, Irish New Yorkers have been faithfully celebrat-
ing the feast of St. Patrick every March 17th, wherein they renew their
connections to the land of their ancestry, pass on their traditions to
the next generation, and share their pride through joyous festivities
enjoyed by all New Yorkers irrespective of ethnicity; and
WHEREAS, Irish Americans have made an indelible impression upon every
human endeavor in art, music, literature, science, film, dance, theatre,
sports, education, law, finance, and politics and shall continue to
embellish New York's shining future, reflecting the noble past of this
mighty race, with all the strength, resilience, humor and hospitality of
the Irish character; it is most fitting to set aside this month to high-
light and honor the history and heritage of the Irish Americans and to

remember and pay tribute to the contributions they have made to our
State and our Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2015 as Irish
American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.