§1 - C. 36:2-43

§2 - Note to §1

P.L. 1997, Joint Resolution No. 2, approved March 17, 1997

Senate Joint Resolution No. 26

A Joint Resolution designating the week including March 17 of every year as Irish-American History and Heritage Week.

Whereas, The history of the United States and the State of New Jersey has been significantly influenced by the rich heritage of Ireland and her people; and

Whereas, Irish men and women first came to this State while it was still a British colony and they sought political and religious freedom and economic opportunity to escape the grinding poverty, political oppression and religious persecution of their homeland; and

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

Whereas, Despite these bitter obstacles, many nameless Irish immigrants became fervent patriots, fighting fiercely and dying bravely for this county in all of its wars, especially during the Civil War and at the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg; and

Whereas, Today, almost 39 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, according to the most recent federal decennial census; and

Whereas, Irish-American men and women have become recognized leaders in all areas of American life and culture, including business, organized labor, politics, education, the arts and entertainment; and

Whereas, Each year on March 17, the feast of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated throughout the State and all over the country in observances that include large, colorful parades, traditional Irish music and the wearing of green clothing; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper to honor the significant accomplishments and contributions of the Irish-American community in this State by designating the week including March 17 of every year as Irish-American History and Heritage Week; and

Whereas, It is appropriate to encourage American history classes in this State to highlight the contributions to this nation that Irish-Americans have made throughout American history; now, therefore,

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

    1. The week including March 17 of every year is designated as Irish-American History and Heritage Week.

    2. The Governor and Legislature of the State of New Jersey encourage American history classes throughout the State to discuss and examine the contributions that Irish-Americans have made to the history of this country during Irish-American History and Heritage Week.

    3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This joint resolution designates the week including March 17 of every year as Irish-American History and Heritage Week and encourages American history classes throughout the State to discuss and examine the contributions of Irish-Americans to the history of this country.

    The resolution recognizes Irish-American history as important due to the significant influences that Irish men and women have had on American history and culture. The resolution further recognizes the important role that Americans of Irish descent have played throughout American and New Jersey history.

Designates week including March 17 of every year as Irish-American History and Heritage Week.