Req. No. 13344 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 STATE OF OKLAHOMA 1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025) HOUSE RESOLUTION 1010 By: Bennett AS INTRODUCED A Resolution observing the long friendship between Oklahoma and Ireland; commemorating the celebration of St. Patrick's Day; commemorating diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United States; commemorating economic relations between Ireland and Oklahoma; and directing distribution . WHEREAS, Oklahoma and Ireland have enjoyed a long friendship that predates Oklahoma's statehood and Ireland 's independence; and WHEREAS, Ireland commemorated the gift of $170.00 of the Choctaw people, during the Irish famine, a fortune at the time, especially after enduring their own hardships, in order to help the Irish people; with the dedication of the Kindred Spirits sculpture, featuring a circle of eagle feathers, in County Cork in 2017 ; and WHEREAS, The Choctaw Nation unveiled on August 30, 2024, a tribute to their connection with Ireland, the Eternal Heart Req. No. 13344 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 sculpture, depicting a Celtic Trinity knot intertwined with a heart; and WHEREAS, in 2024, Oklahoma established Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission for Oklahoma business and industry to benefit from Ireland's position with the European trade market ; and WHEREAS, many Oklahoman s have Irish ancestry and continue to celebrate that culture through festivals and celebrations, particularly in March, including the Tulsa Irish Fest, ShamROCK the Gardens in Oklahoma City, and the Stockyards St. Patrick 's Parade, as well as other celebra tions throughout the state; and WHEREAS, all Oklahomans are Irish on March 17, St. Patrick 's Day, honoring the Patron Saint of Ireland and celebrating Irish heritage; and WHEREAS, Oklahoma joins other states throughout the country in celebrating diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United States, which officially began on October 7, 1924. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE: THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives recognizes the state's long history of friendship and diplomatic relationships with Ireland. THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives commemorates March 17 as St. Patrick's Day. Req. No. 13344 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to Senator Mark Daly, Chair of the Senate of Ireland; and the Oklahoma A merican Irish State Legislators Caucus. 60-1-13344 MAH 03/13/25