[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF PROJECT CHILDREN: LOCAL MISSIONARIES OF PEACE

                                 ______
                                 

                          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 all the 
individuals who make Project Children an outstanding organization. 
Project Children is a volunteer group which unites young people from 
Northern Ireland with host families in the United States. These 
volunteers give of their time to provide the children with a peaceful 
and enjoyable summer they will always remember.
  The word hero truly describes everyone involved with Project 
Children. John and Joan Hughes are coordinators for the Clifton, NJ 
chapter of Project Children, and I am gratified by their unwavering 
devotion. The Hughes' have committed much of their efforts to raising 
the financing necessary for these children to travel to our country. 
The past year has brought the organization some well deserved 
recognition. The Clifton chapter received the Martin Luther King 
Humanitarian and Civil Rights Award from the New Jersey Education 
Association. John Hughes was the recipient of a Community Person of the 
Year Award from the President of Ireland, Mary Robinson.
  Many others assist the Hughes' in their efforts to make the 
children's experiences while in America satisfying, including: Carolyn 
Malizia, Mary Ann McAdams, Patti Morreale, Joe Masterson, and Edward 
Phillips. All have dedicated their time and resources to provide a 
trouble-free 6 weeks away from the strife prevalent in the north of 
Ireland. I have mentioned only a few of those responsible for Project 
Children, however there are many others who volunteer their time and 
deserve our gratitude. Mr. and Mrs. Liam Benson, proprietors of 
O'Donoghues Restaurant in Hoboken, NJ have graciously donated their 
services over the past 3 years.
  Project Children is an organization founded by Denis Mulchay and his 
brother Pat Mulchay. This year, Denis Mulchay has once again been 
nominated as our country's candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. He has 
also been recognized by President Clinton as one of the Top Ten Cops in 
the United States. Since its founding in 1975, the organization has 
grown exponentially and has provided thousands of children countless 
extraordinary experiences in the United States.
  At this time last year, we all hoped that peace, which had for so 
long eluded the people of Northern Ireland, would become a permanent 
reality. Unfortunately, the recent resurgence of violence makes the 
efforts of everyone connected with Project Children particularly 
valuable. Their generosity of spirit will remain in the hearts of the 
children forever. I am certain that my colleagues will join me in 
applauding the extraordinary efforts of these local missionaries of 
peace.

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