[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF LIAM BENSON: MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO HIS COMMUNITY

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding individual, Mr. Liam Benson, who has distinguished himself 
through uncommon dedication to the children of Northern Ireland. Mr. 
Benson, along with his wife Margaret, are again donating their services 
to the annual luncheon I will be hosting for the adopted families of 
Project Children. Their restaurant, O'Donoghues, is located at 205 
First Street, Hoboken, NJ.
  The word ``tradition'' comes to mind when speaking of this truly 
dedicated person. For the past 3 years, Mr. Benson has graciously 
afforded the children who come to the United States from Northern 
Ireland, along with their host families, an opportunity to meet and 
share their experiences in the United States. While in our country, the 
children have the possibility to sample a life without the threat of 
violence prevalent in their homeland. Mr. Benson, through his Irish 
heritage, has an unique understanding of the true value of peace and 
freedom.
  Mr. Benson's journey to become a community member of my district 
began with his birth in County Mayo, Ireland. This son of the Emerald 
Isle traveled across the Atlantic Ocean 12 years ago in search of new 
horizons to explore. Mr. Benson arrived on our shores in New York City 
where he went to work in a neighborhood bar. Two years later, Mr. 
Benson's journey led him to Hoboken and the establishment of his own 
place of business, O'Donoghue's Bar and Restaurant. A genuinely modest 
gentleman, Mr. Benson chose to name his new establishment after a 
famous bar with the same name located in Dublin, Ireland.
  Major themes that have resonated in the life of Mr. Benson have been 
community and family. For the residents of Hoboken, O'Donoghue's has 
become a friendly oasis in the life of this bustling urban center. The 
sense of community experienced by visitors who enter this local 
institution makes everyone feel like they are members of the Benson 
family. When it came time to think about starting a family, Mr. Benson 
married a women named Margaret who became his partner in life. In 1995, 
their joyful union produced a son, also named Liam, who will 
undoubtedly one day carry on the tradition of community service.
  It is an honor to have such an extraordinarily considerate individual 
operating a business in my district. Mr. Liam Benson exemplifies the 
tremendously positive influence one person can have on the lives of 
others. I am certain my colleagues will rise with me and honor this 
remarkable gentleman.

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