Whereas, The Irish migrated to the United States in moderate numbers and helped to build America by participating in canal-building, lumbering, and civil construction works throughout the northeast region; and,

Whereas, Michigan's cultural fabric has been enriched by the many contributions of Irish Americans in numerous communities throughout our state; and,

Whereas, Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company in Michigan, was the grandson of an immigrant from County Cork, Ireland; and,

Whereas, Highland Park, Michigan, was the birthplace of Irish American crooner Bill Haley who, along with the Comets, took the country by storm with hits such as "Summertime Blues," "Shake, Rattle and Roll," and "Rock Around the Clock;" and,

Whereas, The Irish American Cultural Institute and other Irish organizations seek to preserve and promote Irish traditions, heritage, and fellowship of Irish and Irish American descendants in the state of Michigan;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of March 15, 2009, Irish Week in Michigan. I encourage all citizens to recognize the many contributions made by Irish Americans and to embrace their unique culture.