October 11, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 161 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING MR. STANLEY BALZEKAS FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AND 
                         DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2019

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Stanley 
Balzekas who has been awarded the title and badge of an Honorable 
Nobleman by the Lithuanian Royal Society of Nobility.
  Mr. Balzekas has dedicated his life to preserving and spreading 
Lithuanian history and culture. In 1966, Mr. Balzekas founded the 
Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture in Chicago. Through his dedicated 
leadership, the museum has grown to become the largest repository of 
Lithuanian cultural artifacts outside of Lithuania. Mr. Balzekas's 
tireless work has enhanced America's understanding of Lithuanian 
history and enriched the culture of the Chicagoland community.
  Mr. Balzekas is also an American patriot, having proudly served in 
the United States Army during World War II. He bravely fought in the 
Battle of the Hurtgen Forest, one of the longest and fiercest battles 
in Europe. For heroically risking his life to rescue twelve wounded 
soldiers, Mr. Balzekas was awarded the Bronze Star as well as the 
Purple Heart.
  To recognize Mr. Balzekas's noble lineage and his contributions to 
Lithuanian culture, the Lithuanian Royal Society of Nobility conferred 
to him a title of nobility in his absence. The title was conferred in 
Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 7, 2019, the anniversary of the crowning of 
King Mindaugas. The Lithuanian Royal Society of Nobility strives to 
safeguard the traditions of the Lithuanian nation and revive the spirit 
of the ancient Lithuanians. The nobility award will be personally 
presented to Mr. Balzekas at an event in his honor in Chicago on 
October 11.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. 
Stanley Balzekas on this tremendous honor. He deserves praise for the 
energy and time he has dedicated to preserving Lithuanian culture, as 
well as serving his community and country. I thank him for his service 
and wish him and his family the best.

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