First Posted: 2/16/2015
PITTSTON — The Knights of Lithuania Council 143, Pittston, observed the 97th anniversary of Lithuanian Independence Day at a flag raising ceremony Monday, Feb. 16 at City Hall.
Approximately 25 people from the community were in attendance for the event.
Due to the cold weather, however, the flag was raised prior to the ceremony and now flies alongside the American flag at city hall. In turn, the ceremony was held in the downstairs conference room at city hall.
“Our purpose is to keep alive the memory of our ancestors and their beloved country, Lithuania,” Knights of Lithuania President Yvonne Branas said. “We pray that their country will remain free for the sake of Lithuanian people.”
Council received three different proclamations throughout the program.
The Pittston City proclamation from Mayor Jason Klush was presented by Mary Claire Voveris. A proclamation was presented by Janet Palladino from Senator Bob Casey and Tom Wierbowski, Mayor of Mansfield, presented a proclamation from Senator John Yudichak.
A citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives was presented by State Rep. Michael Carroll.
During the ceremony, Knights of Lithuania Trustee Ronald Voveris led the group in singing the National Anthem. Next, Wierbowski led the singing of the Lithuanian National Anthem. Voveris also recited his poem, “America and Lithuania.”
Msgr. John Bendik provided the opening and closing remarks.
Following the ceremony, a lunch was served at the Lithuanian Citizens Club on Butler Street in Pittston. The Knights of Lithuania meet on the second Sunday of every other month at St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston.
“There is something new to learn of our ancestors from Lithuania at every meeting,” Branas said. “What a joy it is to learn more and more of Lithuania. If we could only interest so many of our Lithuanian descendants in our area to join us and take part by becoming a Knight of Lithuania, they would experience the same good feelings.”
