[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 6, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO DONALD DOWD OF WEST SPRINGFIELD

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I am delighted that the John F. Kennedy 
Library is honoring Donald Dowd of West Springfield, MA with its 1996 
Irishman of the Year Award. It is a privilege to take this opportunity 
to pay tribute to Don for his commitment and dedication to the people 
of Massachusetts and the Nation.
  The Irishman of the Year Award was established in 1986 by the Friends 
of the Kennedy Library to pay tribute to unsung leaders of Irish 
heritage. This award honors individuals for their outstanding 
contributions to their communities and it honors President Kennedy's 
great love for his Irish heritage and his belief that ``each one of us 
can make a difference and all of us must try.''
  Few have done more for their community or for Massachusetts than Don 
Dowd. Don is currently vice president and Northeast manager of 
government affairs for the Coca-Cola Co. He also serves as a member of 
the Board of Directors of the New England Council, the Adopt-A-Student 
Program for Cathedral High School in Boston, the Armed Services YMCA in 
Charlestown, and the board of trustees of the Eastern States Exposition 
in West Springfield. Don's commitment to his community and our 
Commonwealth is further exemplified by his work with the Massachusetts 
Chapter of the Special Olympics and his work with the New England 
Governors' Conference.
  Don eminently deserves this year's Irishman of the Year Award. 
Massachusetts is proud of Don's outstanding leadership, and we are 
proud of his friendship as well. I commend him for his many 
achievements, and I wish him continued success in the years ahead.

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