[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 27 (Friday, March 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  RECOGNIZING THE HONOREES OF THE JERSEY CITY 1994 ST. PATRICK'S DAY 
                           PARADE AND DINNER

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 11, 1994

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
individuals being honored by the Jersey City, NJ, 1994 St. Patrick's 
Day Parade and Dinner Committee. This year's parade will be held on 
March 13, with the participation of some very distinguished members of 
the community serving as parade chaplain and grand marshal. During 
tonight's Saint Patrick's Day Dinner, the committee will be honoring 
its Irishman and Irishwoman of the Year, its outstanding Irish 
policeman and Irish firefighter, and presenting various special awards 
of appreciation.
  Irishwoman of the Year, Anne Gillespie Cleary, is another Irish-born 
honoree. Anne's husband Tommie was a renowned violinist and a member of 
the Green Shades Showband. In their years together, Anne and Tommie 
were deeply involved in Irish-American affairs. Today, Anne continues 
her activism, opening her home to Irish immigrants, and Irish students 
during their vacations or studies in America, as well as to members of 
travelling Irish football teams. Anne also generously gives of her time 
to ``Project Children,'' for which the children of Northern Ireland who 
have shared her warmth are truly grateful.
  The influence of the strong Irish-American community in Jersey City, 
and in New Jersey as a whole, has been felt by all of us. St. Patrick's 
Day has become more than just an Irish holiday, and is now enjoyed by 
all Americans, who become Irish for a day. The wide celebration of St. 
Patrick's Day is a far cry from the days when Irish-Americans were 
struggling for acceptance in this country. It is a testament to their 
determination and achievements that so many Irish-Americans are today 
pillars of their communities, and that for at least one day each year, 
everyone has a little bit of Irish in their souls.
  I'm proud to have the opportunity to recognize the committee's 
honorees before the House, and I ask my colleagues to join me in 
thanking them for their service to the community, and commending them 
for achievements.

                          ____________________