[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 40 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  IN HONOR OF JOSEPH A. RICCARDI, HONORARY IRISHMAN OF THE YEAR, 1995

                                 ______


                          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 Joseph A. 
Riccardi, Honorary Irishman of the Year, 1995, who will be honored at 
this year's St. Patrick Day Parade in Jersey City.
  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 scarely 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.
  Joseph Riccardi is being honored this year for his many contributions 
to the community. Mr. Riccardi founded Knights Auto Body, Inc. in 1960. 
He served as commissioner on the Jersey City Parking Authority, Hudson 
County Recreation Authority and as a board member of the Jersey City 
Medical Center Foundation. Mr. Riccardi is a former chairman of the 
Jersey City chapter of the March of Dimes, and he has served on the 
Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee since 1962. In addition, he is a 
sponsor of Project Children, and is the Honorary Irishman of the Jersey 
City Emerald Society.
  Through the years, Mr. Riccardi has served the people of Jersey City 
Well. His involvement in the many above-mentioned organizations shows 
that he is committed to helping make life a little easier for his 
fellow Americans. He is truly an exemplary individual.
  As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, let us remember all of those 
Irish-Americans 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.


                          ____________________