[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 115 (Monday, July 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN HONOR OF ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO MAKE PROJECT CHILDREN A REALITY FOR 
                  THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF NORTHERN IRELAND

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 17, 1995
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to all the 
people who make Project Children a great success. Project Children is 
an organization that brings together children from Northern Ireland and 
American host families. These volunteers give up their time to dedicate 
themselves to providing these children with a peaceful and fun-filled 
summer.
  There are many heroes involved with Project Children. John and Joan 
Hughes coordinate the Project Children in New Jersey and I am grateful 
for their devotion. The Hughes' have dedicated much of their time to 
raising funds that make it possible for these children to travel. They 
are assisted by many others, including Carolyn Malizia, Maryanne 
McAdams, Patty Moreale, Kevin Ferrick, Joe Masterson. They have all 
dedicated their time and resources to provide a summer away from the 
troubles and pain of Northern Ireland. I have singled out some of the 
people responsible for Project Children, but there are many other 
volunteers, too numerous to mention here, who also deserve our thanks. 
Every year I hold a luncheon for these young children and their host 
families. For the past 2 years Mr. and Mrs. Liam Benson, owners of 
O'Donohues Pub in Hoboken, NJ, have been gracious enough to donate 
their services.
  Project Children is an organization founded by Denis Mulcahy and his 
brother Pat Mulcahy. Through the years, the organization has grown and 
has provided thousands of children many wonderful summers in the United 
States. It is an opportunity for these children to experience a 
different type of life, a life away from the threat of violence with 
which they live daily. Project Children aims to touch each individual 
child and imprint in their heart and mind the memories of a lifetime.
  This year there is new hope for Northern Ireland with the recent 
signing of a ceasefire agreement. Hopefully, this will mark the dawn of 
a new era. These children can, perhaps now, return to a Northern 
Ireland that is free of bloodshed. May they return to a country united 
by a common cultural heritage and accepting of its religious diversity.
  Please join me in honoring all those responsible for this summer of 
peace. Let us hope that the cease-fire agreement will be the first 
stepping stone to a peaceful resolution. We hope that next year these 
children will enjoy a wonderful summer in a peaceful Northern Ireland.


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