[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 30 (Thursday, March 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO THOMAS GILMARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JACK QUINN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2000

  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today on the floor of 
this House in recognition of Mr. Thomas Gilmartin from my district, as 
the 2000 St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshall.
  A prominent Irish-American in Western New York, Tom's community 
service includes work with the Knights of Columbus, the Irish-American 
Cultural Association, the Gaelic-American Athletic Association, the 
Ancient Order of the Hibernians, and the Irish Parade Committee. In 
fact, he has been involved with the parade committee for over twelve 
years. In recognition of that dedicated service and his commitment to 
our Proud Irish-American Heritage, Tom will serve as the Grand Marshall 
of the 2000 St. Patrick's Day Parade in the City of Buffalo.
  Recently, I selected the Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade as one of 
New York's local legacies. This program's chief purpose is to document 
distinctive examples of a cultural heritage in each of the nation's 
fifty states, which will then serve as a record of life in America at 
the end of the Twentieth Century. Our parade is a fitting example of 
that cultural tradition, and Tom Gilmartin will make a fine Grand 
Marshall during this important event.
  Tom and his wife, Mary (Steffan) are lifelong residents of Western 
New York, and attend Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul R.C. Church in 
Hamburg. The Gilmartins have four children and one grandchild.
  In addition to his outstanding community service, Tom served the Town 
of Hamburg as Superintendent for Buildings and Grounds for over 20 
years, where I had the privilege of working with him as Town 
Supervisor. Prior to his service to the Town of Hamburg, Tom served the 
Village of Blasdell in the Department of Public Works. I am proud to 
call him my friend.
  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with the entire Gilmartin 
Family, the United Irish American Association, and indeed, all of 
Western New York in tribute to Mr. Thomas Gilmartin, a proud Irishman 
and Grand Marshall of our great parade.

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