February 16 is and always will
be a significant and meaningful date for Lithuanians … it is on this day in 1918 that
Lithuania declared its independence from czarist Russia. For decades, Lithuanian-Americans
have been commemorating this event, during Lithuania’s independence, oppression, and
subsequent independence. In the wake of Lithuania re-declaring its sovereignty March 11,
1990, we have been celebrating Lithuania’s independence and progress.
This year, members of the
Philadelphia Lithuanian-American community gathered at St. George’s (Sv. Jurgio)
parish in Port Richmond, where Msgr. Juozas Anderlonis celebrated Mass. The celebration
then continued at the Lithuanian Music Hall, also in Port Richmond, with proclamations,
speeches, and entertainment. Our Cultural ambassadors, Estera Washofsky, Lynne Cox and
Juozas and Brigita Kasinskas, tireless members of our community, again showed participants
that Lithuania's cultural heritage is one of the richest in the world. It is a heritage
that remains alive and vibrant in our community thanks to their commitment, devotion and
sacrifice.
February 16 is and always will
be a significant and meaningful date for Lithuanians … it is on this day in 1918 that
Lithuania declared its independence from czarist Russia. For decades, Lithuanian-Americans
have been commemorating this event, during Lithuania’s independence, oppression, and
subsequent independence. In the wake of Lithuania re-declaring its sovereignty March 11,
1990, we have been celebrating Lithuania’s independence and progress.
This year, members of the
Philadelphia Lithuanian-American community gathered at St. George’s (Sv. Jurgio)
parish in Port Richmond, where Msgr. Juozas Anderlonis celebrated Mass. The celebration
then continued at the Lithuanian Music Hall, also in Port Richmond, with proclamations,
speeches, and entertainment. Our Cultural ambassadors, Estera Washofsky, Lynne Cox and
Juozas and Brigita Kasinskas, tireless members of our community, again showed participants
that Lithuania's cultural heritage is one of the richest in the world. It is a heritage
that remains alive and vibrant in our community thanks to their commitment, devotion and
sacrifice.
