[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 St. 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.
  Patrick Joseph Lacy, the 1994 Irish Firefighter of the Year, is no 
stranger to service to his country, as well as the city. He is a Navy 
veteran, has dedicated 15 years to the city as a firefighter, and has 
served as an officer of the Firemen's Federal Credit Union and the 
Firefighters Emerald Society. Patrick is a true Jersey City native, a 
graduate of St. Michael's Grammar and High School, he went on to earn 
his bachelor of science degree from Jersey City State College. His 
service to the city as a firefighter is a continuation of a lifelong 
involvement with the community.
  The influence of the strong Irish-American community in Jersey City, 
and the 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 
1 day each year, everyone has a little bit of Irish in their souls.
  I am 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.

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