[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 147 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1793-E1794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 120TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK OF 
                             MORRIS COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Friendly 
Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County, Morristown, New Jersey as they 
celebrate their 120th Anniversary this year.
  The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is a national network of social 
organizations of men of Irish ancestry and affinity. Each local 
organization takes an active role in their community preserving the 
Irish history and heritage of its members while also participating in 
acts of charity. The purpose of each local Sons of St. Patrick 
organization is to provide an opportunity for Irish-Americans to meet 
in a spirit of comradeship for the common purpose of promoting, 
cultivating, celebrating and preserving interest in Irish arts, 
literature, history and culture.
  The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County was founded in the 
spirit of the first truly American St. Patrick's Day celebration

[[Page E1794]]

which was held at George Washington's camp at Jockey Hollow, Morristown 
in 1780. Since that day, the Irish have continued to play an important 
role in Morris County's social, economic and political fabric.
  Originally founded on March 14, 1892, the Friendly Sons of St. 
Patrick of Morris County have aimed to create a social group for the 
large community of Irish-Americans within Morris County while also 
assisting the county's neediest residents through charitable works. 
With 300 members today, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris 
County is open to all men of Irish descent, the group is non-political 
and non-sectarian.
  The Friendly Sons meet monthly to promote faith, heritage and 
fellowship, they are noted for their charity work including the annual 
Morris County St. Patrick's Day Parade. Organized by their membership, 
the parade is attended by over 50,000 people and raises over $10,000 
for local charities, including Employment Horizons and Cheshire House. 
The Friendly Sons have also been integral in the recognition and 
preservation of several historically important Irish-American buildings 
and sites throughout New Jersey and New York.
  The mission and work of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris 
County has made the group an important asset to Morris County. Their 
continued support of local charities and preservation of Irish-American 
history and heritage are to be commended.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County as they celebrate 
their 120th Anniversary.

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