On the recordMarch 16, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the great holiday of St. Patrick's Day. My district is home to the largest population of Irish Americans in the Nation. Like many of my constituents, my paternal grandparents emigrated from Ireland at the turn of the 20th century. When they came to this country, they had all their worldly possessions in one trunk each. Thereafter, they had eight children, five of whom served in our Armed Forces, one of whom gave his life for this country. So many of my friends and neighbors share similar stories of sacrifice and dedication to family and to their new country. It is no wonder that Irish Americans have come to embody the values of loyalty, community, and hard work in the fabric of our Nation. As they say, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. So let us all embody those values as we tackle the challenges facing our Nation currently. May the road rise up to you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. ____________________
