Political Quotes

“Madam President, today I applaud the President in declaring March 2011 Irish-American Heritage Month, and I speak in celebration of the rich Irish history, culture, and customs still alive today in the hearts and minds of Irish Americans everywhere. The association of our two nations began early in our country's history. Irish immigrants arrived in the early colonial days as indentured servants, which was often the only affordable method of passage to the ``New World.'' Close to a quarter of a million Irish immigrated during the colonial era, and many of them to Maryland. Upon their arrival, they set immediately upon the heady things of the time: independence, and the building of a nation. Irish immigrants took up their new national identity with fervor, especially in Maryland, and helped to found lasting institutions. Charles Carroll, his family descendants from the O Cearbhaill lords of Eile, was a member of the second Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence. His cousin, John Carroll, born in Upper Marlboro, was elected the first bishop of Baltimore, and was elevated to the first Archbishop of the United States when Pope Pius VII made Baltimore the first American Catholic archdiocese. James Calhoun, of Irish descent, was the first mayor of Baltimore City, and held a commission with the Baltimore militia.…”