[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 40 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       IN HONOR OF CLARE FLANNERY, IRISH WOMAN 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 Clare 
Flannery, Irish Woman of the Year, 1995, who will be honored at this 
year's St. Patrick's Day parade in Jersey City. Ms. Flannery 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.
  Clare Flannery is part of this great Irish-American tradition. She is 
an active member of Project Children, which is an Irish community-based 
organization that pays to fly almost 1,000 children from Northern 
Ireland to the United States each year. The goal of Project Children is 
to offer the youngsters a respite from the violence which has plagued 
their homeland for over 25 years. This organization would not run as 
successfully as it does, if it were not for the dedication of people 
like Clare Flannery.
  Ms. Flannery has done this while raising a family of her own. She is 
the proud mother of four children and a grandmother of four. She has 
been successful in raising a family, while at the same time helping the 
community. In doing so, she has set a positive example for all of us.
  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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