WHEREAS, between 1680 and 1815 North Carolina became home to thousands of Irish settlers, with communities being built and established in the western part of the state; and
WHEREAS, these Catholic settlers known as Ulster Scots came to North Carolina to escape religious persecution; and
WHEREAS, the legacy of these first Irish Americans remains an important part of history, more than 150,000 Irish Americans fought for liberty and to preserve the Union during the Civil War; and
WHEREAS, today, our state is the proud home to thousands of residents of Irish ancestry, descendants of a brave and adventurous group of individuals that first settled in the United States during the 17th century; and
WHEREAS, Ten percent (32 million) of Americans report having Irish heritage, seven times the population of Ireland, (estimated at 4.9 million); and
WHEREAS, Irish was the nation's second-most frequently reported European ancestry, trailing German; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina celebrates Irish Americans throughout history, and salutes those that have made such significant contributions to our country, including North Carolina natives, Presidents of the United States, James Polk, born in Pineville, and Andrew Johnson, born in Raleigh; and
WHEREAS, Irish Americans have helped move our nation forward through significant contributions to the U.S. military, government, and economy; and
WHEREAS, this month and throughout the year, the State of North Carolina celebrates the heritage of Irish Americans and encourages citizens to learn more about the positive impact Irish Americans have made, and continue to make in North Carolina history;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 2022, as “IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.