[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF MARTIN FLEMING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, as the family and friends of Martin Fleming 
gather together at memorial services on June 20, 2002, they will honor 
the life of an Irish American who touched the lives of so many. Martin 
passed away on June 16, 2002, and is survived by his wife, Ruby 
Fleming, and his daughter, Ann Kathleen.
  Martin Fleming was a prominent leader for Irish Americans in the 
Detroit area for the past sixty years. He was born July 28, 1912 in 
Galway City, Ireland. At the age of sixteen, Martin emigrated to 
Michigan and settled in Dearborn, where he began his lifelong service 
to the Irish American community.
  Martin quickly found an organization to call home, when he joined the 
Gaelic League of Detroit. He served as President of the Gaelic League 
for thirteen terms, from 1938 to 1967. During this tenure, he helped 
build and strengthen the Irish American community in Michigan. Through 
his hard work and dedication, he managed to bring prominent Irish 
leaders and officials to Detroit, including Eamon DeValera, who later 
became the President of Ireland.
  Martin's service to the Irish American community continued, as he 
founded the United Irish Societies (U.I.S.) in 1959, served as 
president of the U.I.S. for eight terms, and returned the Saint 
Patrick's parade to Detroit. He was also a supporter and friend to 
myself and other elected officials and leaders of the Democratic party. 
His work and guidance on issues important to the Irish American 
community served as an inspiration to us all.
  Those who worked closely with Martin considered him the ``godfather'' 
of the Detroit Irish community. He was always there to help, serve, and 
better the Irish American community for generations to come. When asked 
what he would say to young Irish Americans today, he responded: ``I 
would tell them they should study Irish history and find out where 
their ancestors came from--and they should become involved and do what 
they can to help the Irish cause along.''
  His mark on the City of Detroit and Irish Americans will always be 
remembered. He will truly be missed. I invite my colleagues to please 
join me in paying tribute to one of the most influential Irish 
Americans of Michigan, Martin Fleming, and saluting him for his 
exemplary years of care and service.

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