Record #: R2014-321   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 4/30/2014 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 4/30/2014
Title: Declaration of May 11, 2014 as "President Michael D. Higgins Day" in Chicago
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2014-321.pdf
RESOLUTION
 
 
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michael D. Higgins, the 9th President of Ireland, accompanied by his wife, Sabina Higgins, will make an official visit to Chicago from May 8 through May 13, 2014; and
 
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this event by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
 
WHEREAS, While in Chicago, the Honorable Michael D. Higgins will attend a wide range of meetings and special events, including a reception to be held on Sunday, May 11, 2014, co-hosted by the Irish American Heritage Center and the Chicago Irish Immigration Support organization; and
 
WHEREAS, The City of Chicago is exceedingly proud of its Celtic roots and rich Irish heritage as evidenced by the dyeing of the Chicago River green each St. Patrick's Day; and
 
WHEREAS, Throughout its long and robust history, Chicago has also benefited from the strong leadership and vision of a succession of Mayors of Irish heritage, including John Hopkins, Edward F. Dunne, Edward J. Kelly, Martin J. Kennelly, Richard J. Daley, Jane M. Byrne and Richard M. Daley; and
 
WHEREAS, Since 1997, the City of Chicago has enjoyed a Sister Cities Agreement with Galway, Ireland; and
 
WHEREAS, It is therefore fitting that the Honorable Michael D. Higgins continue to strengthen and enliven the long and historic ties between Chicago and Ireland through his official visit to our City; and
 
WHEREAS, Known as Ireland's "Poet President", the Honorable Michael D. Higgins was raised in Limerick, educated at University College Galway and earned a master's degree in sociology from Indiana University; and
 
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michael D. Higgins has excelled throughout his professional life as a poet, sociologist, university lecturer, author and broadcaster; and
 
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michael D. Higgins was the President of the Labour Party from 2003 until his election in 2011 as President; and
 
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michael D. Higgins was previously a Teachta Dala for West Galway and Minister for Arts, Culture and Gaeltacht; and
 
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of the Honorable Michael D. Higgins serve as an example to all; now, therefore
 
 
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this thirtieth day of April, 2014, do hereby extend a warm and heartfelt welcome on behalf of the City of Chicago to the Honorable Michael D. Higgins; and
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That May 11, 2014, shall officially be recognized as President Michael D. Higgins Day throughout the City of Chicago; and
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Honorable Michael D. Higgins.
 
AUlerthan - 14th Ward
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