[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 29 (Thursday, February 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 101ST ANNIVERSARY OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2019

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 101st 
anniversary of Lithuanian independence. It is an honor to recognize a 
nation with such rich and vibrant history and whose immigrants and 
descendants have enriched the cultural landscape of our nation.
  Chicagoland is fortunate to be home to the largest Lithuanian 
diaspora population in the world. With Little Lithuania on the 
Southwest Side of Chicago and a significant part of the community in 
Lemont and Cicero, I am proud to represent a part of this heritage. The 
celebration of Lithuania's 101st anniversary pays due respect to the 
signing of Lithuania's Act of Independence on February 16, 1918, an act 
that sought to restore an independent state. Although true independence 
was not achieved until after World War I and the fall of the German 
Empire, this single rebellious act paved the way for what has become a 
free and democratically governed state. Lithuanian-Americans have 
reason to celebrate their heritage proudly.
  One such place where Chicagoan Lithuanians have found a home is in 
Marquette Park at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, 
founded by Lithuanian immigrants in 1927. A beautiful new church was 
constructed in 1957 incorporating influences from the Lithuanian folk 
baroque style and Lithuanian folk art. This includes a gold-plated 
reproduction of the Virgin Mary from a shrine in Siluva, Lithuania. Now 
led by Pastor Juanius Kelpsas and Father Gediminas Kersys, this 
beautiful church continues to receive numerous parishioners and 
visitors, each bearing witness to a rich component of Lithuanian-
American history.
  In 2015 I had the opportunity to visit Lithuania with a congressional 
delegation led by then-Speaker Boehner to celebrate and strengthen the 
bonds between our countries. I had a wonderful experience meeting 
Lithuanians and enjoying the beauty of the country in Vilnius and on 
the Baltic Coast. One of my most cherished memories was my visit to Our 
Lady of the Gate of Dawn.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Lithuanian 
Independence Day. At home, I have witnessed firsthand the positive 
contributions Lithuanian-Americans bring to our local community, and I 
trust that the bonds between our two nations will remain strong.

                          ____________________