[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5597]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     CROATIAN SONS LODGE NUMBER 170

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  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 94th Anniversary and Golden Member banquet 
on Sunday, April 29, 2001.
  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: 
Edwin C. Bronikowski, Anthony Bucich, Virginia Carija, Anna Gee, Mary 
Kocevar, Michael E. Krall, Catherine Michael, Basil Movchan, Dorothy 
Pavlakovic, Ethel M. Podrebarac, Rose Marie Radulovich, Martha Sablich, 
Mary Stewart, and Theresa M. Znika.
  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 
Benedict Benakovich officiating. The festivities will be culturally 
enriched by the performance of several Croatian musical groups. The 
Hoosier Hrvati Adult Tamburitza Orchestra directed by Jerry Banina, 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.

                          ____________________