[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 40 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E507-E508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  IN HONOR OF MICHAEL J. O'REILLY, IRISH FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR, 1995

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                          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 Michael 
O'Reilly, Irish Firefighter of the Year, 1995, who will be honored at 
this year's St. Patrick's Day parade in Jersey City. Mr. O'Reilly 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.
  Michael O'Reilly is part of this great Irish-American tradition. He 
has served the citizens of Jersey City as a firefighter since 1981. 
Through the years, he has bravely put his life 
[[Page E508]] on the line to save the lives of others. In addition, he 
has dedicated his time as a baseball coach and organizes sporting and 
recreational events for members of his community.
  Mr. O'Reilly is a lifelong resident of Jersey City. He attended 
school there and he and his wife have raised their children there. He 
is a fine constituent of whom I am very proud.
  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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