Peter Blute: “I would like to wish a happy St. Patrick's Day to my constituents in Massachusetts, and say that today, many of us will…”

“I would like to wish a happy St. Patrick's Day to my constituents in Massachusetts, and say that today, many of us will celebrate our Irish heritage by wearing green, eating some corned beef and cabbage, and may be even having a few Irish stouts at the local pub. But as we get together with friends and family to rejoice and revel, let us take time for just a minute. Let us take time out to remember the people of Northern Ireland who today--like every day--must confront the violence that ravages their provinces. Violence that takes the lives of or maims for life thousands of sons and daughters of Ireland. But let us also take time out for hope, hope grounded in the belief that prospects for peace are much better this St. Patrick's Day than last and hope renewed by the fact that the United States is starting to play an increasing role in bringing that peace to Northern Ireland. Too many have died and too many have had their lives destroyed. Take a moment to think of them--and what you as an American can do to help-- sometime during this St. Patrick's Day.”