[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 29 (Thursday, March 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMEMORATION OF ST. PATRICK'S DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the Irish community in 
celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
  On March 17, 2002, people from around the world will come together to 
celebrate the life of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. During 
the fifth century, St. Patrick devoted his life to sharing the 
Christian faith with the native Irish people. As it has been for 
centuries, the entire Irish community will celebrate the day with 
music, parades, and family gatherings. When Irish soldiers serving in 
the English military held the first St. Patrick's Day parade on March 
17, 1762, through the streets of New York City, they started a 
tradition that continues until the present day.
  During the mid-1800s, millions of Irish immigrants came to America to 
seek new lives. Today, the United States is enriched not only by the 
contributions of these immigrants, but also by that of their sons, 
daughters, and grandchildren. Irish-Americans have made major 
contributions to all aspects of American society, including sports, 
medicine, religion, politics, and the arts.
  Their innumerable contributions are why it is appropriate to honor 
the Irish community with a commemorative postage stamp honoring Irish 
American Heritage Month. This commemorative stamp would salute the 
accomplishments of all Irish-Americans and their invaluable 
contributions to the American way of life. From President John F. 
Kennedy to F. Scott Fitzgerald to the brave firefighters who gave their 
lives on September 11, 2001, Irish-Americans have strengthened and 
enhanced our Nation and it is only appropriate that those contributions 
be honored and celebrated by all Americans.
  America can boast a population of 44 million Irish-Americans and I am 
proud that my home State of Michigan has a thriving Irish-American 
community. In our State, many Irish-American organizations work each 
day to enrich our neighborhoods. These institutions provide invaluable 
public service, as well as a strong foundation for the community as a 
whole.
  Mr. Speaker, I join the people of Ireland, all those of Irish 
ancestry around the world and our own Irish-American community in 
celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

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