[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.
  Peter Brennan is recognized as the 1994 Irishman of the Year. The 
proud father of one daughter, Nicole, is the owner of Brennan's, a pub 
which gives the local patrons a taste of Ireland by recreating the warm 
feeling of those familiar community gathering spots of the Old Country. 
Peter's involvement in Irish-American issues is extensive. Not only is 
he a member of the parade and dinner committee, but Brennan's is a 
sponsor of Project Children, which gives Irish children a respite from 
the war-torn streets of Northern Ireland by bringing them into American 
homes for the summer. I have had the pleasure of meeting these 
children, and I can assure you that they deeply appreciate the efforts 
of caring Irish-Americans like Peter. His commitment to his community 
goes well beyond these efforts. As a sponsor of the local Neighborhood 
Watch Program, and of local Little League teams, Peter's selection as 
Irishman of the Year is well-founded.
  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 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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