1997 Assembly Joint Resolution 37
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: celebrating Saint Patrick's Day.
Whereas, March 17 is Saint Patrick's Day, a day that memorializes the patron saint of Ireland and that presents an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of natives of Ireland and of Irish-Americans; and
Whereas, Saint Patrick's Day has been celebrated in this country since the 18th century; and
Whereas, immigrants from Ireland brought a rich heritage to this state, and by 1850 nearly 5,000 lived in Wisconsin; and
Whereas, many of these early Irish immigrants were farmers, fur traders or miners; and
Whereas, later in the 19th century the Irish Emigrant Aid Society was formed, and it encouraged natives of Ireland to settle in Wisconsin; and
Whereas, among the persons of Irish descent who were prominent in this state during the 19th century were 3 members of the first constitutional convention, the first secretary of state (Thomas McHugh), the first attorney general (Henry Baird) and one of the more important chief justices of the Wisconsin Supreme Court (Edward Ryan); and
Whereas, many of the important politicians in Milwaukee during the 1860's were Irish immigrants; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature commend the contributions that persons of Irish descent have made to this state, recognize Saint Patrick's Day and invite all residents of Wisconsin to celebrate that day.
