[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 103 (Thursday, June 22, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8959-S8960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                THE 25TH ANNUAL IRISH HERITAGE FESTIVAL

 Mr. BRADLEY. Mr. President, our country is a remarkable 
mosaic--a mixture of races, languages, ethnicities, and religions--that 
grows increasingly diverse with each passing year. Nowhere is this 
incredible diversity more evident than in the State of New Jersey. In 
New Jersey, schoolchildren come from families that speak 120 different 
languages at home. These different languages are used in over 1.4 
million homes in my State. I have always believed that one of the 
United States greatest strengths is the diversity of the people that 
make up its citizenry and I am proud to call the attention of my 
colleagues to an event in New Jersey that celebrates the importance of 
the diversity that is a part of America's collective heritage.
  On June 4, 1995, the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, began 
its 1995 Spring Heritage Festival Series. This heritage festival 
program salutes many of the different ethnic communities that 
contribute so greatly to New Jersey's diverse makeup. Highlighting old 
country customs and culture, the festival programs are an opportunity 
to express pride in the ethnic [[Page S 8960]] backgrounds that are a 
part of our collective heritage. Additionally, the spring heritage 
festivals will contribute proceeds from their programs to the Garden 
State Arts Center's cultural center fund which presents theater 
productions free of charge to New Jersey's school children, seniors, 
and other deserving residents. The heritage festival thus not only pays 
tribute to the cultural influences from our past, it also makes a 
significant contribution to our present day cultural activities.
  On Sunday, June 25, 1995, the heritage festival series will celebrate 
the 25th annual Irish Heritage Festival. Twenty-five years ago, when 
John Gallagherr chaired the very first Irish Heritage Festival, he 
initiated what has become a grand tradition. This year's celebration, 
chaired by Kathleen Hyland continues this tradition of highlighting 
Irish entertainers, food, and crafts, THe day begins early in the 
morning with a piping competition and will feature traditional Irish 
sports like hurling and Gaelic football. Additionally, a concelebrated 
liturgy with Msgr. Kevin Flanagan of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, 
in Parsippany assisted by numerous Irish clergy from throughout New 
Jersey, will be offered for lasting peace and justice in Ireland. After 
the liturgy a noon mall show will feature many gifted Irish 
entertainers including: Daniel O'Donnell, Celtic Cross, Richie O'Shea, 
Willie Lynch, Barley Bree, Mary McGonigle, and Mike Byrne Band. Over 
25,000 people are expected to turnout to eat good food, enjoy 
traditional music and dance, and to avail themselves of the opportunity 
to pay tribute to their Irish heritage.
  On behalf of the almost 1 million New Jerseyans of Irish descent, who 
contribute so much energy and vitality to my great and diverse State, I 
offer my congratulations on the occasion of the 25th annual Irish 
Heritage Festival.


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