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Recognition Of Jack Sullivan

Volume
Volume 151 , Number 78
Pages
Pages E1204
Legislative Body
Extensions of Remarks
Date
Tue, June 14, 2005

Rep. Frank Pallone

legislator photo
Party
D
State
NJ

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Jack Sullivan as State Vice President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Jack has served the AOH as its Vice President for the past four years with great distinction. Jack's commitment to community and his love for Irish heritage go back to his youth in Brooklyn where he attended St. Brendan's school.

Growing up in the culturally diverse borough of Brooklyn, Jack became involved in politics at an early age to ensure that the voice of the Irish Catholic community was heard. He joined the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 35 in Brooklyn in 1984. He went on to serve in a number of capacities in the AOH there as well as with the Knights of Columbus and Irish Northern Aid. After moving to New Jersey, Jack transferred to Division 2, now the Volunteer Pat Torphy Division 2--Monmouth County, where he has served as President since 1996.

Under Jack's leadership the Division and State Board were able to raise money for the Great Hunger Monument in Keansburg. He was also instrumental in obtaining financial assistance and manual labor for a Christian Brothers run school in Harlem, the sisters of Charity in Asbury Park and the Medical Missionaries of Mary. The Division has also been able to donate significant amounts of time and money to the Bloody Sunday Committee, the Pat Finuncane Fund, the Joe Doherty Irish Language School and the Joe Harper Fife and Drum band in county Down. Jack truly embodies the Hibernian ideal of Christian charity.

Jack has also made significant strides in the pursuit of peace and justice in the North of Ireland. He has led the annual trip to Ireland for the commemoration of Bloody Sunday and has highlighted the plight that many Catholics continue to face to this day.

Mr. Speaker, once again I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Jack for his tireless service to the AOH and the Irish American community. I hope that he continues to remain actively involved in the AOH and in promoting the values of friendship, unity and Christian charity.