III.1. Proclamation Recognizing March as Irish Heritage Month
CITY OF HOPKINS
City Council Report 2024-033
To: Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Patrick Hanlon, Mayor
Date: March 19, 2024
Subject: Proclamation Recognizing March as Irish Heritage Month
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
MOTION TO Adopt a Proclamation Recognizing March as Irish Heritage Month.
OVERVIEW
Irish Heritage Month in Minnesota celebrates the rich cultural contributions and history
of the Irish community within the state. The Irish have been a significant immigrant
group in the United States for centuries, particularly during the 19th century when
millions of Irish people immigrated to the country due to economic hardships in Ireland.
Many settled in Minnesota, especially in cities like St. Paul and Minneapolis, where they
played vital roles in shaping the state's culture, economy, and politics.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
• Proclamation
City Council
A Proclamation Commemorating Irish Heritage Month
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins, Minnesota, takes pride in its rich cultural diversity and
recognizes the importance of celebrating and honoring the heritage of its residents; and
WHEREAS, the Irish people came to the United States as a servant class of people to
serve those in power. They fled oppression which killed millions of Irish people and
forced the immigration of millions of Irish around the world. They were denied jobs,
housing, other opportunities, and suffered early death in this country due to their
perceived inferior race. From a people painted as being diseased filled criminals they
became a people known for their eternal optimism. The oppression of America had
nothing on from where they came. They organized politically and socially and somehow
a century later made it cool to be Irish for a day.
From outcasts, with their sheer numbers, they changed the face of American culture in
unionized labor, removing child labor in industry, as abolitionists, noble-prize winning
writers, award winning musicians and actors. The lasting symbol of acceptance to the
Irish American was President John F Kennedy, an Irish Catholic finally elected
President.
There are well known indelible connections between Ireland and the United States to
less known stories of the Irish hero Fredrick Douglas who was a symbol of fighting
oppression to the Irish. The Choctaw Nation, who helped the Irish people during the
Great Hunger, remain a symbol of what it means to truly give. Americans also played a
major role in helping the Irish people finally win their Independence from Britain in 1922.
WHEREAS, the month of March is widely celebrated as Irish Heritage Month
recognizing that the Irish optimism and perseverance that has left an indelible mark on
this country
WHEREAS, every year on March 17, we celebrate World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day
Parade that takes place in Downtown Hopkins, where anyone can be Irish for a day.
FURTHERMORE, by celebrating Irish Heritage Month, we recognize and strengthen the
bonds that connect us all, creating a more vibrant and inclusive city for future
generations.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Patrick Hanlon, Mayor of the City of Hopkins in the State of
Minnesota, along with my fellow Council Members, recognize, adopt and proclaim this
Proclamation and urge all to observe Irish Heritage Month in Hopkins, Minnesota.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the Seal of the City of
Hopkins, Minnesota to be affixed this 19th day
of March in the year 2024.
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Patrick Hanlon, Mayor