[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        COMMENDING BERNARD RYAN FOR EXEMPLARY CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call your attention to Mr. 
Bernard (``Bernie'') Ryan of the City of Buffalo who has been selected 
by the United Irish-American Association to lead The Buffalo St. 
Patrick's Day Parade on March 13, 2005 as this year's Grand Marshal.
  First held on March 17, 1913, the Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade 
pays tribute to the patron Saint of Ireland and after a short 
interruption from 1917-1935, the parade has been held every year since 
1935, with the exception of the World War II years (1942-1945).
  Buffalo, New York, like many other communities throughout the United 
States, has a large Irish American population and the St. Patrick's Day 
parade offers Irish Americans along with people from all ethnic 
backgrounds, an opportunity to celebrate one component of our rich and 
diverse cultural heritage.
  Every year, thousands of people flock to Delaware Avenue in Downtown 
Buffalo to cheer on fellow citizens, Irish dancers, bands, and civic 
organizations who march in honor of St. Patrick.
  The UIAA's election of Bernie Ryan as this year's Grand Marshal marks 
a proud moment for Bernie and his family, wife Karen and children 
Kathleen and Bernard Jay as Bernie embarks upon this once in a lifetime 
journey.
  Four generations have worn the top hat and carried the blackthorn 
that belonged to Mike Quinn, Buffalo's first grand marshal of the St. 
Patrick's Day Parade back in 1913.
  Bernie Ryan joins the ranks of other distinguished grand marshals and 
is honored for a lifetime of exemplary civic involvement.
  Bernard served in the U.S. Army on a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon 
return, he dedicated himself to family, work and community. He has had 
a 35 year career at Freezer Queen Foods where he has risen to the 
position of Controller. He is an active parishioner at St. Martin's 
Church in South Buffalo where neighborhoods are distinguished not by 
streets but by the parish to which you belong.
  Bernie has always been particularly involved with various Irish 
organizations. Whether with the Irish Dancing School with whom his 
daughter Katie was a student, as a Board Member of the Gaelic American 
Athletic Association or as a member of the Parade Committee, Bernie's 
presence and commitment is unwavering.
  Bernie is proud of his heritage and understands the importance of 
preserving our unique history as a community. I am proud to call Bernie 
Ryan my friend and I am pleased to honor him today.

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