[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 10100]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         REVEREND ROBERT GANNON

  (Mr. FOSSELLA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to acknowledge 
the presence of Father Robert Gannon who offered the morning prayer 
this morning. Father Gannon, to those who know him, love him. Those who 
know him, honor and respect him.
  He was born in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and spent much of 
his life on Staten Island. He is a positive role model and influence to 
thousands. He attended and graduated Fordham University as well as the 
St. Joseph Seminary in Dunwoody. For many years he has been a pastor of 
Our Lady Queen of Peace of Staten Island. He has been a guidance 
counselor to many high school students. It is estimated more than 
15,000 students went through his doors on their way to college.
  In addition for the last 20 years or so, Father Gannon has headed a 
committee in the 13th Congressional District that screens and 
recommends nominations to our military academies: Annapolis, West 
Point, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marines. In that period of time, 
perhaps more than 150 students have gone on to those military academies 
and then gone on to serve our country. Many of those probably would not 
have gone on to those academies but for the help, guidance, and 
assistance of Father Gannon.
  Mr. Speaker, he has been a priest, a teacher, a friend, and really 
loved by thousands. I am very, very fortunate to have him as my friend, 
and I hope today that those Members of the House here understand why I 
found it an honor to ask him to be with us today.

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