[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E582-E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE CROATIAN SONS LODGE NUMBER 170

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2002

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
the Croatian Sons Lodge Number 170 of the Croatian Fraternal Union, on 
the festive occasion of its 95th Anniversary and Golden Member banquet, 
on Sunday, April 28, 2002.
  This year, the Croatian Fraternal Union will hold this gala event at 
the Croatian Center in Merrillville, Indiana. Traditionally, the 
anniversary celebration entails a formal recognition of the Union's 
Golden Members, those who have achieved fifty years of membership. This 
year's honorees who have attained fifty years of membership include: 
William A. Bursich, Sally Cullen, Lynn Edward Evans, Steve Jack Grdina, 
Anastasia Kresich, Eugene Krukowski, Michael F. Luketic, Charles 
Peretin, Stefania Peretin, Dorothea Petrovich, Stephen Ratkay, Dennis 
Rivich, Frances Staresnick, Peter T. Sut, and Mary Ann Thews.

[[Page E583]]

  These loyal and dedicated individuals share this prestigious honor 
with over 300 additional Lodge members who have previously attained 
this important designation.
  This memorable day will begin with a morning mass at Saint Joseph the 
Worker Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana, with the Reverend Father 
Stephen Loncar presiding. The festivities will be culturally enriched 
by the performance of several Croatian musical groups. The Hoosier 
Hrvati Adult Tamburitza Orchestra directed by Frank Jovanovich, the 
Croatian Glee Club ``Preradovic,'' and the Croatian Strings 
Tamburitzans and Junior Dancers directed by Dennis Barunica will 
perform at this gala event. A formal dinner banquet will end the day's 
festivities.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending Lodge President Betty Morgavan, and all the other 
members of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge Number 170, for their 
loyalty and radiant display of passion for their ethnicity. The 
Croatian community has played a key role in enriching the quality of 
life and culture of Northwest Indiana. It is my hope that this year 
will bring renewed hope and prosperity for all members of the Croatian 
community and their families. I am proud to represent these gifted 
residents of the First Congressional District of Indiana.

                          ____________________