[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 118 (Thursday, September 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO ``ANGELS IN ADOPTION'' KEVIN AND EILEEN GILLIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2000

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, each year in an effort to improve adoption 
policy and practice, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption holds a 
national award ceremony honoring ``Angels in Adoption.'' The purpose of 
the ``Angels in Adoption'' campaign is to help raise public awareness 
of the many different ways committed individuals in our country can 
help children and families through adoption. This crusade is an 
opportunity to recognize these unsung heroes who make a difference for 
needy children all across the world.
  Today, I would like to recognize two of this year's ``Angels in 
Adoption'' from my congressional district, Kevin and Eileen Gilligan of 
LaFayette, New York. As a couple, the Gilligans epitomize the loving, 
caring commitment found in all adoptive parents. In June of 1999, Kevin 
Gilligan wrote a journal for his new and youngest son, Louis, 
chronicling their trip to the Russia Republic to adopt him, which 
became front-page stories in the Syracuse Newspapers. Previously, the 
Gilligans adopted their daughter, Addie, who is now 13 years old, and 
their son, Min, who is 11 years old, from Korea.
  I want to commend the Gilligans for the warmth and compassion they 
have extended to children in need. When Kevin and Eileen met Louis for 
the first time, he did not even know how to express the most simple of 
affections, a kiss. As a family, they welcomed him and their two other 
children into their home and showed them how to love and be loved.
  I use this opportunity to recognize Central New York's ``Angels in 
Adoption,'' Kevin and Eileen Gilligan, and salute all adopted families 
in our nation.

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