WHEREAS, since the founding of our state, people of Irish heritage have made their homes in Arizona and many have become leaders in government, education, business and science; and

WHEREAS, the Irish people and culture are an important part of the ethnic tradition of the United States and have played a significant role in the history and development of our state and nation; and

WHEREAS, in Ireland and in places recognizing Irish heritage, communities celebrate the legend of Ireland's patron saint, Patrick, who died on March 17 around 470 A.O.; and

WHEREAS, from our nation's first St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City in 1762, festivals, celebrations, and the "wearin' o' green" have grown to cities and towns across the country so that this is possibly the only national holiday given such recognition outside of its native land; and

WHEREAS, the Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire is one of the top ten largest and most celebrated St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the country always celebrated on the Saturday before March 17th and wiU celebrate its 40th year on March 11th, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the Phoenix Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library is an epicenter for Southwestern Irish people and has many organizations like the Friends of Saint Patrick - Arizona Chapter working in our community to share St. Patrick's message of charity, peace and reconciliation; and

WHEREAS, the symbol of St. Patrick's Day is the Shamrock, which is used to illustrate how the Trinity could exist as separate elements of the same entity. We, as Americans and Arizonans, can also celebrate the shamrock as symbolic of our shared immigrant past.

NOW, THEREFORE, l, Katie Hobbs, Governor of the State of Arizona, call upon our citizens to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and celebrations and do hereby proclaim March 17, 2023 as SAINT PATRICK'S DAY IN ARIZONA.

Office of the Governor Katie Hobbs

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