New Britain herald., 1928-02-20

peals to the Lithuanian people in ! special maaaer. to their eantiment ol patriotism and national pri4a.
 ''The freedom of their countr, has been given . new birth and { democracy fouaA safe and secure The divine rights of msn 70 aacRed under form of government sucl az theirs is. is sure to have tAa guidance of . just God. The hope, of the people of that country. dat ing back over maay centuries ol bloodshed and oppression at thu hands of her enemies have found { fruition, in q fully recognized estab' lished form of government The present Lithuania has emerged into the sunlight of freedom.
 "Lithuania and her people. what a glorious theme to dwell upon. with her picturesque hills and vales; his- toric in the splendor of her ruined castles and ahbeys. which speak in a marked degree of the early evi- dence of the golden age of her learn ing. culture and refinement.
 Within the last century . mighty multitude from Lithuania has nai- grated to our shores. They have done noble service in uplifting the life of both the church of which they have chung to 50 long and the United States of America, the country oi their adoption. In all departments of industrial and commercial activities they are to be found among the leaders. In scheols. colleges and unt- versities. they have passed on to countless multitudes the wisdom and learning gained there"
 Baltimore Lawyer on FrogFaHL
 Attorney Nadas Rastenas. . resi- dent of Baltimore, Md. and . vet eran of the World war. spoke m Lithuanian. He described tho days when Lithuania was country Of darkness because it's newspapers, its languages and its aspirations were stified by Poland, Russia and Ger many. The people of the small coun- try, which had been cut tnto three parts, dared to dream of freedom and then to hope for it. he said. MT Rastenas told of how secret meet ings were held. although all in the gatherings were liable to be either shot on the spot or exiled to Siberia.
 He told the large gathering that the country was torn apart by the marauding armies of Germany and Russia during the World war and left in worse condition than Belgium The great dream and hope became a fact on February IS, 1918. when the country's independence was de- clared.
 Rev. A. Baksys of Hartford de- livercd q stirring address on the memory of Dr. J, Basanavtchlus' who died a year ago. He pictured the doctor as the George Washington Of Lithuania, who led the country through the darkest hours and fought for independence. later De- coming the first president.
 The last speaker of the program was A. Zenliaitis, a veteran Of the warfare in Lithuania. He gave a short description of his experiences
 Musical Program
 Before the opening speech and between speeches musical program was presented. The national anthems of America and Lithuania were played. The Varpo chorus. under the leadership of r. Bruzas. sang many songs. Miss Amelia Balaski. one of the best known singers in New Brit ain, sang several solos that brought great applause from the crowd. She was forced to answer to four en- cores. Her songs were sung in both English and Lithuanian. Miss Stella Matulis, also we'll known in musical circles, sang several solos.
 One of the greatest hits Of the afternoon was q piano solo by nine year-old Mary Cheponis. She also ac- companied L. Vasaitus of Hartford on the piano. Others who sang and recited poems were Bertha Stravins- kus and Julia Grigute.