Assembly Resolution No. 136
BY: M. of A. Cusick
COMMENDING Dr. Brian J. O'Dwyer, Esq. upon the
occasion of his designation as Grand Marshal of the
2019 New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work
diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Dr. Brian J. O'Dwyer, Esq. upon the occasion of his designation
as Grand Marshal of the 2019 New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade; and
WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment, Dr.
Brian J. O'Dwyer will have the honor of leading the 258th consecutive
New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade up Fifth Avenue on Saturday,
March 16, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Brian John O'Dwyer is a native New Yorker who comes
from a legendary New York Irish American family; he is the son of the
late Paul O'Dwyer, civil rights activist and President of New York City
council from 1974 to 1979, and the nephew of The Honorable William
O'Dwyer, former Mayor of New York; and
WHEREAS, Educated in the New York City public school system, Brian
J. O'Dwyer graduated from the High School of Music and Art, now known
as LaGuardia High School; he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The
George Washington University and a Masters of Arts degree from
Middlebury College in Madrid; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary man went on to earn a Juris Doctorate
degree from Georgetown University and a Master's degree in Law from The
George Washington University; in July of 2013, he was awarded an
honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Dublin City University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Brian J. O'Dwyer is the senior partner at O'Dwyer &
Bernstein, LLP, a law firm founded by his father, who immigrated to New
York from County Mayo, Ireland; as a son of Irish immigrants, he has
been especially active in the American Irish Community and has been a
consummate advocate for immigrants' rights; and
WHEREAS, As founder of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, the
largest Irish immigrant center in the United States, Dr. Brian J.
O'Dwyer has helped thousands of Irish men and women as they immigrated
to New York City; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Brian J. O'Dwyer currently serves as a Co-Chair of the
Board of the Graduate School of Political Management of The George
Washington University, as well as Treasurer of the City University of
New York Law School Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Brian J. O'Dwyer's extensive work in the political
arena has concentrated largely on promoting Irish and Irish-American
interests; he served as National Chairman of Irish Americans for
Clinton-Gore in 1992 and 1996, and Irish-Americans for Gore in 2000;
additionally, he was part of the delegation that accompanied President
Clinton to Ireland on each of his three trips and served as an advisor
to the White House on Irish issues including the peace process; and
WHEREAS, Appointed by President Clinton as a Commissioner of the
President's Commission on White House Fellowships, Dr. Brian J. O'Dwyer
was awarded the Director Citation for Exemplary Public Service by the
White House; in June of 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
appointed him as Commissioner of the United States National Commission
for UNESCO; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Brian J. O'Dwyer has worked tirelessly to advance
Ireland's causes and business interests in the United States; he
presently serves as Chairman of the Irish Chamber of Commerce USA where
he works to facilitate American investment in Ireland and Northern
Ireland; he also serves as a member of the Board of Ireland West Airport
in Knock, County Mayo Ireland; and
WHEREAS, The proud recipient of countless awards and accolades for
his lifelong work in the causes of Ireland and immigrants, Dr. Brian J.
O'Dwyer was awarded the 2015 Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award by the
Ancient Order of Hibernians for his work in the cause of peace, justice,
and the economic well-being of the Irish people; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Brian J. O'Dwyer has also received many recognitions
from the Catholic Church, including being named a Knight of the Holy
Sepulchre by Edward Cardinal Egan; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Marianna, and their
two children, Brendan and Kathleen, as well as four grandchildren, Paul,
Patrick, Reilly and Hailey, who have all shown him love and support and
rejoice in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Brian J. O'Dwyer, Esq. upon the occasion of his designation
as Grand Marshal of the 2019 New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Brian J. O'Dwyer.
