[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 40 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E515-E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          IN HONOR OF CHARLES KERR, 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 Charles 
Kerr, Irishman of the Year, 1995, who will be honored at this year's 
St. Patrick's Day parade in Jersey City. Mr. Kerr 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.
  Charles Kerr is part of this great Irish-American tradition. He was 
born and raised in Jersey City. His parents lived there for 90 years. 
Throughout his life, he has made many contributions to the community 
and has been actively involved in the religious community.
  [[Page E516]] Mr. Kerr fought bravely in the Korean war. In 1969, he 
started his own business. He was president of Kerr Electric for 25 
years, yet, he still found the time to participate in the community. 
Mr. Kerr was the first president and organizer of the New Tammannee 
Club in downtown Jersey City. He was also the last president of the 
Original Monkey Club, the oldest social club in Jersey City.
  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.


                          ____________________