[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E257-E258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ST. DAVID'S DAY

                                 ______


                            HON. PAT DANNER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 1996

  Ms. DANNER. Mr. Speaker, for more than 850 years, the legacy of St. 
David has been an inspiration to generations of people of Welsh 
descent, including such prominent American leaders as Abraham Lincoln 
and Thomas Jefferson.
  While the annual celebration will be delayed slightly this season by 
leap year, St. David's Day, March 1, will recognize the legend of the 
patron of Wales--one of the most illustrious bishops of ancient Wales.
  In fact, a 10th century manuscript refers to St. David as the 
spiritual leader of the Welsh. 

[[Page E258]]
One of the legends surrounding St. David is that during his schooling, 
a dove with a golden beak was seen playing by his lips, teaching him to 
sing the glory of God.
  At the time of his death, just before angels carried his soul to 
heaven, St. David is reported to have said: ``Be joyful brothers and 
sisters. Keep your faith and do the little things you have seen and 
heard with me.''
  For the many Welsh-Americans who will be celebrating tomorrow, I 
trust that the day will bring you the joy St. David spoke of so many 
years ago.

                          ____________________