Pittston Knights of Lithuania celebrate Lithuanian Independence Day at City Hall

PITTSTON — Members of the Knights of Lithuania Council 143 and the Lithuanian Citizens Social and Beneficial Club met on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at city hall to commemorate the Independence of Lithuania.

Approximately 30 people were in attendance to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence and the 26th anniversary of the re-establishment of Lithuania’s Independence.

The event was curated by Knights of Lithuania Council 143 President Dennis Palladino. The council received three different proclamations throughout the program.

The Pittston City proclamation from Mayor Jason Klush was presented by City Administrator Joe Moskowitz. A proclamation was presented by Cindy Vogue on behalf of state Sen. John Yudichak. State Rep. Michael Carroll was on hand to present a proclamation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

During the ceremony, Knights of Lithuania Trustee Ronald Voveris led the group in singing the National Anthem. Next, Mansfield Mayor Tom Wierbowski, a Knights of Lithuania member, led the singing of the Lithuanian National Anthem. Voveris also recited his poem, “America and Lithuania.”

Fr. Peter Tomczak, the Spirital Advisor of the Knights of Lithuania Council 143 provided the opening and closing remarks.

Following the event, the Lithuanian flag was raised next to the American flag, which sits adjacent to city hall. After 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.

State Rep. Michael Carroll reads a proclamation from the House of Representatives commemorating Lithuanian Independence during a flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Pittston City Hall.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Lithuanian7.jpgState Rep. Michael Carroll reads a proclamation from the House of Representatives commemorating Lithuanian Independence during a flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Pittston City Hall. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Ron Voveris reads his poem ‘American and Lithuania’ in commemoration of the Lithuanian Independence during a flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Pittston City Hall.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Lithuanian5.jpgRon Voveris reads his poem ‘American and Lithuania’ in commemoration of the Lithuanian Independence during a flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Pittston City Hall. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Knights of Lithuania Council 143 President Dennis Palladino, right, accepts a proclamation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on behalf of state Rep. Michael Carroll during a flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Pittston City Hall.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Lithuanian1.jpgKnights of Lithuania Council 143 President Dennis Palladino, right, accepts a proclamation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on behalf of state Rep. Michael Carroll during a flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Pittston City Hall. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Pittston City Administrator Joe Moskowitz reads a proclamation from Pittston Mayor Jason Klush commemorating Lithuanian Independence during a flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Pittston City Hall.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Lithuanian4.jpgPittston City Administrator Joe Moskowitz reads a proclamation from Pittston Mayor Jason Klush commemorating Lithuanian Independence during a flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Pittston City Hall. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Knights of Lithuania member and Mansfield Mayor Tom Wierbowski leads the group in the Lithuanian National Anthem during a flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Pittston City Hall.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Lithuanian6.jpgKnights of Lithuania member and Mansfield Mayor Tom Wierbowski leads the group in the Lithuanian National Anthem during a flag raising ceremony held Tuesday at Pittston City Hall. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch

Knights of Lithuania Council 143 President Dennis Palladino welcomes guests to the annual celebration of the Lithuanian Independence and flag raising held on Tuesday at Pittston City Hall.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_Lithuanian2.jpgKnights of Lithuania Council 143 President Dennis Palladino welcomes guests to the annual celebration of the Lithuanian Independence and flag raising held on Tuesday at Pittston City Hall. Nick Wagner | Sunday Dispatch