[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNITION OF BILL YOUNG

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2005

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work 
and dedication of Bill Young as State President of the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians. Bill has served the AOH as its President for the past four 
years with great distinction. His service to the community and in 
particular, the Irish American community, has been a constant theme 
throughout his life going back to his early days in Bayonne with Tommy 
Foley and his father's shoe shine box.
  Growing up as a young Irish Catholic, Bill was instilled with a sense 
of Christian charity early on at St. Vincent de Paul Grammar School. 
Those values have guided Bill throughout his career in public service 
at the Port Authority of NY & NJ, the New Jersey Department of Labor 
and Workforce Development and the United States Coast Guard Reserve.
  In addition to his significant professional achievements, Bill has 
been actively involved in numerous community organizations where he has 
displayed his commitment to the purposes and goals of the AOH--to 
promote Irish culture and encourage civic participation. Bill has 
walked in the Annual Bloody Sunday march in Derry the past four years 
and pressures elected officials to recognize the contributions of Irish 
Americans ensuring that they fight for peace and justice in the North 
of Ireland.
  Under Bill Young's leadership as State President the AOH has seen a 
40 percent growth in Divisions, a strong increase in membership, and 
more accessibility of the State Board through roaming meetings and 
degree programs. The State Board has been instrumental in fundraising 
efforts to allow NJ Special Olympians to travel to Ireland for the 
Special Olympics and for the efforts to build a famine memorial in 
Keansburg.
  Mr. Speaker, once again I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking 
Bill for his tireless service to the AOH and the Irish American 
community. I hope that he continues to remain actively involved in 
promoting the values of friendship, unity and Christian charity.

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