[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 S. 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.
  The parade chaplain, Rev. Michael Desmond, was born and raised in 
Plainfield, NJ, by parents of Irish birth. Father Desmond attended both 
Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, and undertook his 
theological study at the Immaculate Conception Seminary.
  Ordained in 1971, Father Desmond served with distinction in Westfield 
and North Arlington, before becoming the pastor of Jersey City's own 
St. John the Baptist Church in 1988. Father Desmond is active in 
several archdiocesan, civic, and fraternal organizations, and serves as 
the dean of the Jersey City North Parishes.
  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.