56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

John Block and Mark Duncan and Alan T. Martinez and

Stefani Lord and Jimmy G. Mason

DECLARING MARCH 1, 2023 "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 Kearney, 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 Catherine Mellon moved to Santa Fe to act as a nurse for Irish troops and founded St. Vincent hospital and orphanage and St. Elizabeth shelter for the homeless, both still in service today; and

WHEREAS, Georgia O'Keeffe, the "mother of American modernism", was known for her landscapes of New Mexico;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 1, 2023 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.