[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E398-E399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE IN KANSAS CITY, MO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 17, 1998

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the 25th Anniversary of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Kansas City, 
Missouri. The second largest parade in the country, Kansas City 
represents the best of the tradition of the Irish. Started by local 
radio personality Mike Murphy in 1973, the celebration now includes 
families, community and school groups, civic and labor organizations 
representing the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.
  The parade has become one of the largest in America because of the 
dedication and

[[Page E399]]

commitment of the Irish community. The traditions of celebrating the 
history and lineage of the families of Ireland have become ingrained in 
our community. Generations after generation continue the reminder of 
the importance of St. Patrick's Day.
  From a small crew and a block long parade to the success of today's 
100,000 plus participants, Kansas City demonstrates the values of 
keeping tradition alive. I enjoy the parade and all of the community 
cheer and enthusiasm. This morning the excitement was captured for the 
nation on ABC's ``Good Morning America'' program. Even on a cold and 
dreary day, Kansas City's St. Patrick's Day Parade brings the shining 
Irish pride of all of us to light.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute the 25th Anniversary of Kansas City's St. 
Patrick's Day Parade and the excitement it has brought to our community 
and its residents through the hard work and determination of the Irish 
community of my district.

                          ____________________