[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 40 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E503-E504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  IN HONOR OF REV. VICTOR KENNEDY, CHAPLAIN OF THE 1995 ST. PATRICK'S 
                         DAY DINNER AND PARADE

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, March 3, 1995
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rev. Victor 
Kennedy, chaplain of the 1995 St. Patrick's Day Dinner and Parade. 
Reverend Kennedy is among the many 
[[Page E504]] Irish-American men and women who have helped make this 
country great.
  The Irish have been immigrating to the United States since the early 
part of the nineteenth century. In that time, they have made many 
contributions to this country. They have distinguished themselves at 
every level of American society. As Irish-Americans have built their 
businesses, so have they contributed to the economic prosperity of this 
Nation. As they have grown politically, they have contributed to 
government on the local, State, and national levels. Their devotion to 
family and friends demonstrates that much can be accomplished when 
people work together in harmony.
  At home, Irish-Americans have worked hard to protect all of us from 
crime and fire. They have put their lives on the line to help ensure 
the safety of their fellow citizens. The long, proud tradition of Irish 
police officers and firemen scarcely needs to be mentioned. However, 
the Irish have not only been good neighbors at home, they have also put 
their lives on the line when they have fought to defend this Nation 
against our foes in every major conflict over the last 200 years.
  Reverend Kennedy is part of this great Irish-American tradition. He 
has dedicated his life to helping others. He is the former youth 
director of the Archdiocesan CYP/Youth Ministries, and is currently the 
pastor of the Church of Good St. Anne. He is an exemplary community 
leader and an advocate for our youth. Through his involvement in the 
community, Reverend Kennedy has reached out to countless people and has 
made a difference in their lives.
  His parishioners greatly admire Reverend Kennedy for his leadership. 
He has played a vital role in the physical rehabilitation of his 
church. In addition, his efforts have brought new life to the parish. I 
am truly proud to have him as a resident of Hudson County.
  As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, let us remember all of those 
Irish-American men and women who have made a difference in the United 
States. This is a day for us to acknowledge their achievements and feel 
proud to have them in the United States. This holiday is an excellent 
opportunity to pay tribute to Irish-Americans; past and present.


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