WHEREAS, A thirteen year campaign was launched in 1990 to promote, fund and construct a memorial to the victims and survivors of one of the most catastrophic events in the world's history. The project was completed and dedicated on October 25, 2003; and
WHEREAS, The Irish Memorial is inspired by the more than 44 million Americans who claim Irish heritage. The Memorial was made possible by a dedicated group of individuals and organizations from the public and private sectors; and
WHEREAS, The Irish Memorial is also dedicated to the memory of more than one million men, women and children who perished during the years 1845 to 1850 and to the memory of millions of Irish immigrants who found the freedom, liberty and prosperity here in the United States that was denied to their ancestors in Ireland; and
WHEREAS, The monument itself includes 35 life-sized figures. The bronze work measures a spectacular 30 feet long by 12 feet wide and 12 feet high. The memorial depicts not only the cruel starvation which claimed one million Irish lives in five years but also the harrowing journey to America taken by a million more; and the indomitable spirit of those who arrived safely and resolved to face the challenges of life in a new world; and
WHEREAS, Standing prominently at Front and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia, The Irish Memorial adds to the cultural and historical richness of Philadelphia's Historic District because of its' proximity to nearby Independence National Historical Park and Penn's Landing; and
WHEREAS, Though it has special meaning for millions of Americans of Irish descent, it touches everyone who approaches it regardless of their ancestry. Besides presenting an important chapter in history in a moving and effective way, the memorial is a significant addition to Philadelphia's great collection of public art and one of the few pieces created by a major female artist. It serves as both a national attraction and a place for peaceful contemplation; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and recognize the 10th Anniversary of the Irish Memorial.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Irish Memorial Board of Directors as further evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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