ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 71

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED MARCH 18, 1996

By Assemblyman KELLY

An Assembly Resolution declaring the month of March 1996 as "Irish History Month" in the State of New Jersey in recognition of the accomplishments of Irish Americans and their contributions to the history of this nation and State.

Whereas, Irish-Americans have contributed immeasurably to the history and culture of this country and State; and

Whereas, The ancestors of Irish New Jerseyans came to these shores seeking political and religious freedom and economic opportunity, and to escape the grinding poverty, political oppression and religious persecution of their native land; and

Whereas, With tremendous determination, strength and risk to their lives, the Irish, working at slave wages, helped build the canals and railroads of this country and toiled as servants and in the sweatshops of our cities; and

Whereas, These new immigrants struggled to overcome rampant prejudice while building new and better lives for themselves and their families; and

Whereas, Despite these bitter obstacles, many nameless Irish became fervent patriots, fighting and dying for this country in all wars, and especially at the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg; and

Whereas, The Irish have became successful leaders in all areas of American life: in politics, law, the labor movement, business, the arts, and entertainment; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. This House declares the month of March 1996 to be “Irish History Month” in the State of New Jersey, and urges all citizens of this State to participate appropriately in its observance.

    2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk, shall be transmitted to Helen McClafferty of the Irish Action Coalition; Tom Drury, President of the Emerald Society of New Jersey; and the Editor-in-Chief of the Irish Echo.

STATEMENT

    This resolution declares March 1996 as “Irish History Month” in New Jersey and urges all citizens to participate appropriately in its observance.

Declares March 1996 as "Irish History Month."