[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E252-E253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SAINT PATRICK'S DAY 1996

                                 ______


                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 1996

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, the promotion of peace and justice, along 
with long term and shared economic development on the beloved Emerald 
Isle, are important items of concern to millions of Americans of Irish 
descent, particularly at this time of year as we all join again in 
celebrating yet another glorious St. Patrick's Day.
  These important issues of peace and justice also concern all of 
Ireland's many friends here and around the globe, especially now once 
again with the misguided return to violence by some few frustrated with 
the pace of the peace process and needed change on the ground in the 
north of Ireland today.
  Ireland and its warm, generous people have long had a fond affection 
for America, as President Clinton learned when he triumphantly toured 
the whole island late last year. There we all witnessed first hand, the 
genuine warmth and love of the Irish people for America, and the 
respect for the President's outstanding leadership in promoting peace 
on the island.
  The President has done much through his effort at promoting peace in 
Ireland to in some small way, pay back that nation that has also given 
America so much. With the current breakdown in the progress toward 
lasting peace, it is time for the President to take the next step, and 
appoint that promised peace envoy, which many believe is needed to get 
the process back on track.
  Former Senator George Mitchell, who served so well as head of the 
International Body dealing with the arms issue, would be an ideal 
candidate for the position, in my opinion. I urge the President to make 
such an appointment of a peace envoy at this critical time in Irish 
history.
  The tragic and misguided returned to violence recently by some who 
mistakenly believe that justice can be obtained through terrorism, 
death, and destruction, must end. The IRA cease fire must be restored, 
the bombings ended, and peaceful means and dialog resumed immediately, 
or the nationalist cause will suffer even greater damage in world 
opinion.
  As we once again examine at this particular time of year, the impact 
the Irish have had on America, and why the U.S. has a responsibility to 
remain engaged in the efforts to bring about lasting peace and justice 
in Ireland, it is worth remembering their many sacrifices and 
contributions to our great Nation.
  President Clinton addressing a joint session of the Irish parliament 
in Dublin on his trip last year, mentioned the 200,000 Irish who 
bravely fought for the Union cause in our civil war. Many Irish 
officers and soldiers also distinguished themselves in ending British 
rule over the colonies, during the earlier American revolution.
  Once here in this great land, and taking full advantage of the 
American dream, the Irish fought and died for this Nation, and excelled 
in every way and walk of American life. Few from the World War II 
generation can forget, a young Irish lad named Audie Murphy who on the 
battlefields of eastern France, became one of the Nation's most 
decorated veterans. He received the Medal of Honor and 27 other 
decorations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star 
with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Croix de Guerre with Palm.
  In fact, since Congress established the Congressional Medal of Honor 
in 1863, there have been a remarkable 250 or more Irish who have earned 
this Nation's highest honor. No other nationality, even comes close to 
that astonishing record of valor and courage in service of this great 
Nation.
  The sons and daughters of Ireland, their families and many friends 
here in America, are all grateful for our Government and its leaders' 
efforts, from both parties, to help pay back those remarkable 
sacrifices. The President has worked hard to bring peace and justice to 
their ancestral homeland, which every Irishman holds near and dear to 
his or her heart. We must all continue to work to keep peace in Ireland 
on the top of America's foreign policy agenda today, as I and others 
will do here in the Congress.
  While helping make America great, the Irish have never forgotten, 
from whence they proudly came, as anyone who has marched in, or 
witnessed the grand Saint Patrick's Day parade down 5th Avenue in New 
York City each year. Today, more than 40 million Americans have 
ancestral links to Ireland, many as a result of the large immigration 
that followed the great famine, as well as the years before and after, 
that terrible and destructive human tragedy.
  This year's Saint Patrick's parade Grand Marshal is William Flynn the 
CEO of Mutual of America in New York City. He is a great man, duly 
deserving of this high honor, who has dedicated himself to peace in 
Ireland, and has worked tirelessly to bring about lasting peace and 
justice, as have so many of his fellow Irish Americans.
  The Irish in America, and their many friends have long played a role 
in assuring that our Government and elected leaders have not forgotten 
that the problems of Ireland did not end 

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with the great famine. Together we have worked hard to insure that the 
people of Ireland never again face such terrible hardships, and 
depravation of basic human rights and human dignity.
  We must also all continue to work for a permanent end to the troubles 
in Ireland, through a just and lasting peace. I know we will eventually 
see lasting peace and justice a permanent feature on that beautiful 
Emerald Isle in the Irish Sea. It is the hope and dream of all of us as 
we approach St. Patrick's Day once again.

                          ____________________