[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 27 (Thursday, March 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF JOHN O'DONNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 2004

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John O'Donnell for 
his years of service and appointment as Grand Marshall of the 23rd 
Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 21, 2004. Mr. O'Donnell was 
honored by the Bayonne Saint Patrick's Parade Committee at the annual 
Grand Marshall Brunch at 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2004, at the 
Chandelier Restaurant in Bayonne, New Jersey.
  Mr. O'Donnell has been an active member of the Bayonne Saint 
Patrick's Parade Committee since 1988. For 15 years Mr. O'Donnell has 
been a hard working, dedicated, and true proponent for the promotion of 
Irish culture through the annual parade. Mr. O'Donnell is a member of 
Ireland's 32 of Bayonne since 1984, serving as Secretary from 1990 to 
1991 and as President from 1994 to 1996.
  John O'Donnell displayed his leadership and commitment to promoting 
Irish culture by helping to save the annual post-parade party in 1993. 
His innovative idea of seeking financial support from local businesses 
helped preserve the tradition. Mr. O'Donnell is an active member of the 
Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #8 of Hudson County, serving as 
Vice President from 1998 to 1999 and President from 1999 to 2003.
  Mr. O'Donnell is currently Sergeant with the Port Authority Police of 
New York and New Jersey. He is also the Offensive Coordinator for Saint 
Peter's High School Freshman Football team. Previously, Mr. O'Donnell 
was an English instructor at Marist High School from 1986 to 1988.
  Mr. O'Donnell received his bachelor's degree and Master's Degree in 
Education from Seton Hall University. Mr. O'Donnell is a loving husband 
to his wife, Kathleen O'Donnell, and dedicated father to his six 
children, John Richard, Kelsey Marie, Shannon Kathleen, Tara Mary, 
Meghan Elizabeth, and Liam Charles.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring John O'Donnell for 
his distinguished public service, his dedication to promoting Irish 
culture in the City of Bayonne, and his outstanding leadership and 
devotion to his community.

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