[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE WILKES-BARRE COUNCIL 302 OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 
  ON THEIR 107TH ANNIVERSARY AND HONORING RAYMOND J. LENAHAN FOR HIS 
                        SERVICE AS GRAND KNIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the 
Wilkes-Barre Council 302 of the Knights of Columbus on their 107th 
Anniversary and to Raymond John Lenahan for his service as Grand 
Knight.
  The Knights of Columbus are an outstanding example of how a fraternal 
group that seeks social and financial fellowship for its members is 
also committed to serving others. Council 302, in particular, deserves 
particular praise because it has the unique distinction of having 
organized a complete military unit in World War l. Called the Knights 
of Columbus Ambulance Company of Wilkes-Barre, PA, these men served in 
France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. The men achieved national 
recognition for their service to our country.
  The Knights of Columbus has always supported charitable work through 
monetary donations. In 1917, the council raised $5,411 for the War Fund 
Committee. In 1920, St. Mary's Convent was destroyed by fire and 
Council 302 presented the Sisters of Mercy with a check for $2,500, 
raised from voluntary donations.
  Another example of the selflessness of the Knights of Columbus is 
their involvement in blood drives. They began a blood donor campaign 
with Mercy Hospital in March 1947 and Council 302 is still involved 
with donations to the local Red Cross.
  Throughout the years, the Knights of Columbus have had fine men serve 
as Grand Knights. Raymond Lenahan has served in that position for the 
past two years, from 2002 through 2004.
  Mr. Lenahan, a native of Hanover Township, is the son of the late 
Anthony J. and Luella Lenahan. He served as Grand Knight for the 
Knights of Columbus from 2002 to 2004. Mr. Lenahan resides with his 
wife Patricia in Forty Fort. The couple has four children and two 
grandchildren. They are members of St. Aloysius Parish in Wilkes-Barre.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to represent an organization as 
worthy as the Knights of Columbus. Please join me in congratulating 
them as they celebrate their 107th Anniversary on Saturday.

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