Frank Pallone: “I rise this evening as we approach the St. Patrick's Day recess to remind this body of the continued struggle for peace…”

“I rise this evening as we approach the St. Patrick's Day recess to remind this body of the continued struggle for peace and justice in the North of Ireland. For many in America of Irish ancestry, this is a time of celebration, as it should be. However, we must also recognize that the fight for freedom and equality on the island of Ireland is still being waged. Tonight I want to remember and commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Easter Uprising and the proclamation of an Irish Republic at the General Post Office in 1916. The brave men and women who took up arms against England vowed to fight for religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities for all Irish citizens. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the deaths of 10 brave men who died on a hunger strike in Long Kesh. Their courage and that of the women of Armagh inspired countless individuals and made the world take notice of the cruel and discriminatory policies of the British government in the North of Ireland. Their sacrifice proved the shortsightedness of a British policy criminalization. Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity today to meet once again with Gerry Adams, whom I admire so much, for his continued determination to educate the Members of Congress about the situation in Northern Ireland. Because of the sacrifice of so many dedicated individuals like Gerry Adams over the years, we have seen great strides on the quest for an Ireland of equals.…”