BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA 
 
A PROCLAMATION SAINT PATRICK'S DAY 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Since the founding of our nation, people of Irish heritage have made their homes in Georgia 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 1 7 around 460 A.D.; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
From our nation's first St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City in 1762, festivities, celebrations, and the "wearin' o' green" have grown to cities and towns across our country so that this is possibly the only national holiday given such recognition outside of its native land; 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 Georgians, can also celebrate the shamrock as symbolic of our shared immigrant past; now 
 
THEREFORE: 
 
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim March 17, 2016, as SAINT PATRICK'S DAY in Georgia and call upon our citizens to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and celebration. 
 
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 11th day of January in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen . 
 
GOVERNOR 
ATTES~ A#,~ 
CHIEF OF STAFF