[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 40 (Tuesday, April 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E581-E582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LITHUANIAN AMERICAN COUNCIL OF LAKE COUNTY, IN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
the Lithuanian American Council of Lake County, IN, and the Lithuanian 
community on the 79th anniversary of Lithuanian independence.
  The Lithuanian American Council celebrated Lithuanian independence 
from the Soviet Union, which occurred in 1918, on Sunday, February 16, 
1997, at St. Casimir's Church in Gary, IN. Following tradition, the 
anniversary ceremony began with a church service starting at 11:30 a.m. 
After the church service, the Lithuanian American Council held a flag 
raising ceremony outside of the church to honor those Lithuanians who 
pledged their allegiance to independence for their people. The event 
concluded with a dinner in the church hall.
  I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Lithuanian 
American Council of

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Lake County and its officers, including: Vincent J. Gumulauskis, who 
has been president for 5 years; Pete D. Auksel and Casimir Balt, both 
of whom are vice-presidents; Birute Vilutis, secretary; and Walter 
Ruzga, treasurer. Allow me to also commend the board of directors, 
whose members include the Reverend Ignatius Urbonas, Aleksas Degutis, 
Alex Navardauskas, Dan Pauls, Frank Petrites, Brone Tampauskas, and 
Izidorius Tavaras. Finally, I would like to commend every member of the 
Lithuanian American Council for the loyalty and enthusiasm they have 
displayed.
  The Lithuanian American Council of Lake County, IN, is a branch of 
the Lithuanian American Council, Inc. It was founded in 1940 and 
originated in large cities such as Boston, Chicago, and New York. The 
organization in Lake County was initially headquartered at St. Francis 
Church in East Chicago, IN, until recently when the building was 
demolished. The organization was then moved to St. Casimir where its 
home is today.
  It is my sincere hope that 1997 will bring renewed prosperity for all 
members of the Lithuanian community and their families. May this 79th 
anniversary year prove to be a most joyous one.

                          ____________________