[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 29 (Thursday, March 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    STATEMENT IN HONOR OF ST. PATRICK'S DAY AND OUR SEPTEMBER 11TH 
                              FIREFIGHTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2002

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on March 17, 2002 the people 
of Kansas City will once again participate in the wearing of the Green 
and celebrate our Irish heritage. The tradition dates back to the 
1800's and has grown to the third largest St. Patrick's celebration in 
the United States. This will be a St. Patrick's Day Parade like no 
other as participants and spectators will be wearing green, but seeing 
red, white, and blue. Our honored guests will be members of the New 
York's Port Authority, Police Department, and Fire Department.
  On September 11, 2001, these brave first responders put their lives 
on the line for individuals in the World Trade Towers and surrounding 
structures. We at the Capitol watched in horror with the plane attack 
on Tower II, and felt the impact of the attack on the Pentagon. The 
world observed the courage and a selflessness of these men and women 
who rush to danger so that others will survive. Americans watched with 
pride and tears cognizant of the loss of life and families that would 
forever be altered.
  As a community, we have witnessed the bravery of our own first 
responders. Kansas Citians along with the rest of our Nation 
volunteered their services in the 9/11 rescue efforts. Locally, the 
firefighter's boot became the means for every citizen to contribute to 
the relief of the 9/11 survivors. I attended the New York Giants v. 
Kansas City Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium, and witnessed an 
emotional tribute and the generosity as I, along with my firefighters, 
collected donations from fans. I consider this a privilege especially 
after having witnessed the devastation of ground zero. The 
representatives from New York who are participating in the Kansas City 
St. Patrick's Day Parade and the people of New York have the respect 
and admiration of us all.
  Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I will participate as 
one of over 200 entries in the third largest parade in the Nation. As a 
proud American, I ask that you join the citizens of Kansas City as we 
salute our heroes of 9/11 and especially our honored guests from New 
York participating in the parade:
  From the Port Authority: Officers Frank Dowd, Bob Moore, Brian 
Dunwoody, John O'Donnell, and Patrick Harty.
  From the New York Police Department: Detective Steve Eizikowitz, 
Detective Mike Davis, Kevin Douthit, and Patrick Kelly.
  From the Fire Department of New York: Lieutenant Joe Huber, Carl 
Punzone, Bob Fraumeni, and Josh Lomask.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring our 
first responders throughout the United States, as we observe the 
courage of St. Patrick.

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