[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 40 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 IN HONOR OF MAEVE McDERMOTT, GRAND MARSHALL OF THE 1995 ST. PATRICK'S 
                               DAY 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 Sister 
Maeve McDermott, grand marshall of this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade 
in Jersey City. Sister McDermott is among the many 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 19th 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.
  Sister Maeve McDermott is part of this great Irish-American 
tradition. Upon graduating high school, she joined the convent and went 
on to teach in the St. Patrick and St. Michael Elementary Schools. 
Since 1978, she has been co-principal of St. Patrick School and 
Assumption/All Saints School. She was also very instrumental in helping 
a number of Irish immigrants relocate to this country.
  Sister McDermott has dedicated her life to helping the young people 
of Jersey City. She realizes that our youth need love and guidance. She 
has given both freely over the years. She is an exemplary human being.
  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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