HOUSE MEMORIAL 28
57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025
INTRODUCED BY
John Block and Kathleen Cates and Jonathan A. Henry
and William A. Hall II and Susan K. Herrera
A MEMORIAL
DECLARING MARCH 17, 2025 "IRISH-AMERICAN DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WHEREAS, there are approximately thirty-one million five hundred thousand Irish Americans in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the story of Irish Americans has always been one of strength and perseverance through adversity; and
WHEREAS, many Irish immigrants arrived on America's shores to escape the great famine, embraced their new home and helped build the nation into what it is today; and
WHEREAS, approximately seven percent of New Mexico residents claim Irish heritage; and
WHEREAS, many Irish Americans have made impacts on New Mexican culture; and
WHEREAS, Stephen Watts Kearny, born to parents of Irish descent, used diplomacy rather than arms to defeat Mexican troops en route to Santa Fe; and
WHEREAS, Henry McCarty, also known as "Billy the Kid", also born to Irish parents, has roots in Lincoln and Chaves counties and was later buried at Fort Sumner; and
WHEREAS, Sister Mary de Sales Deheney, an Irish immigrant and member of the sisters of charity, was the first woman licensed as a doctor in the territory of New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, Georgia O'Keeffe, one of the most significant artists of the twentieth century, whose father was of Irish descent, was inspired by New Mexico landscape and culture before making New Mexico her permanent home;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 17, 2025 be declared "Irish-American Day" in the house of representatives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this day be a celebration of all Irish Americans and their contributions to the nation's culture; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the Irish-American society of New Mexico.
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