Recorded on February 11, 2013
Research Associate Sarah Torre discusses how the new HHS Mandate revisions don't quite stack up to what the President promised in terms of becoming more acceptable to religious groups and others who have moral objections to it on Heritage in Focus. Jackie Anderson hosts.
To get regular updates on Heritage in Focus podcasts, visit our RSS feed or subscribe on iTunes.
Office of the Press Secretary
IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2013- - - - - - -BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAA PROCLAMATIONFor more than two centuries, America has been made and remade by striving, hopeful immigrants looking for a chance to pursue their dreams. Millions among them were born in Ireland, separated from our shores but united by their belief in a better day. This month, we celebrate the Irish-American journey, and we reflect on the ways a nation so small has inspired so much in another.
Generations of Irish left the land of their forebears to cast their fortunes with a young Republic. Escaping the blight of famine or the burden of circumstance, many found hardship even here. They endured prejudice and stinging ridicule. But through it all, these new citizens never gave up on one of our oldest ideas: that anyone from anywhere can write the next great chapter in the American story. So they raised families and built communities, earned a living and sent their kids to school. In time, what it meant to be Irish helped define what it means to be American. And as they did their part to make this country stronger, Irish Americans shared in its success, retaining the best of their heritage and passing it down to their children.
That familiar story has been lived and cherished by Americans from all backgrounds, and it reaffirms our identity as a Nation of immigrants from all around the world. So as we celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month, let us retell those stories of sweat and striving. And as two nations united by people and principle, may America and Ireland always continue to move forward together in common purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2013 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
BARACK OBAMA
Mrs. Obama joins a virtual conversation about Let’s Move!, her initiative to ensure our nation’s kids grow up healthy and reach their full potential.
The Open Government Partnership publishes the text of the President's directive extending whistleblower protections to the intelligence and national security communities, as requested by the community.
The Department of Labor celebrates its centennial anniversary and looks forward to continuing its important work on behalf on America's workers.
view all related blog postsAbove is the live stream of a new weekly conversation with some of our conservative members of Congress, who will discuss issues of the day and answer questions submitted via Twitter. The event goes live at 11:30 ET. [Update: Rescheduled for noon.] From their description:
Conversations with Conservatives is a group of free market and liberty-minded members of Congress that will meet monthly with traditional press and bloggers to discuss the most important issues of the day. Chaired by Representatives Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), Jeff Landry (LA-03) and Raúl Labrador (ID-01), each meeting will feature different conservative members of Congress to share their ideas and field questions from the media. While questions are not limited to these topics, members are expected to talk about appropriations and the upcoming reconciliation package.
