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A celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Re-Establishment of Independence of the Republic of Lithuania was held March 11 at Midway International Airport. The highlight of the celebration was the re-dedication of the plaque in Concourse A honoring the trans-Atlantic flight of Lithuanian-American pilots Captain Steponas Darius and Lieutenant Stasys Girenas.

The plaque was first dedicated in 1993 on the 60th anniversary of the fateful flight. During renovations at the airport the plaque was damaged, and through the efforts of the Darius and Girenas Committee the plaque was refurbished.

Among the guests were the Consul General of the Republic of Lithuania Skaiste Aniuliene; Rosemarie Andolino, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation; Erin O’Donnell, deputy aviation commissioner at Midway Airport; Khaleed Elkhatib, deputy director of the Mayor’s Office of International Relations; Stanley Balzekas Jr., chairman of the Vilnus Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International; Algimantas Barniskas, chairman of the Darius and Girenas Committee; Mykolas Abarius, chairman and vice chairman of the National Naval Guard of Lithuania in Exile;

Linas Orentas, lieutenant colonel and assistant defense attache to the USA Mindaugas Abaliksta; and Ald. Toni Foulkes (15th) and Ald. Lona Lane (18th).

The first hint that something special was going on at the airport was noticed in the foyers of Levels I, II and III, where six women in traditional Lithuanian costumes welcomed and escorted guests to the ceremony area.

The greeters were Vilija Vakaryte, Vilma Jarulience, Jurate Variakojiene, Onute Smilgiene, Alvyda Baukute-Rukuiziene and Rita Rasimiene.

The program opened with the presentation of flags by members of the National Naval Guard of Lithuania in Exile and the Darius-Girenas American Legion Post 271, followed by the singing of the National Anthems of both countries.

Aniuliene spoke of the significance of March 11, for it was on this day in 1990 that “we first declared our national right to break away from the Soviet Union and take our nation’s fate back into our hands. Twenty years ago, freedom was fragile.”

And she spoke of Darius and Girenas as “legendary and beloved” and “setting an example for future generations by their strong will and determination.”

“Re-dedicating this plaque today notes a significant moment in Lithuanian and Aviation history,” said Andolino. “Today we remember the heroic efforts of these pilots and sons of Chicago.”

Both Steponas Darius and Stasys Girenas were born in Lithuania, immigrated to the United States at a young age and were educated in Chicago.

Both also joined the U.S. Army in 1917 and fought during World War I.

Darius was awarded the Purple Heart for his valiant service in France. Girenas served as an aviation mechanic in the 136th Airborne Squadron.

The pilots teamed up in 1932 determined to fly over the Atlantic Ocean to Kaunas, Lithuania, then the temporary capital.

Before the flight they wrote in their will: “We must do our share in the general work of the exploration of the North Atlantic air streams which are still poorly investigated. We hold it to be our duty to do this, being used for the benefit of mankind. We hold it to be our duty to do this job with honor.”

The aviators purchased a used Bellanca Pacemaker plane from the Chicago Daily News and worked on the plane at 5321 W. 65th St.

“They solicited donations,” said Barniskis. “They expanded the wing span, added additional fuel tanks and powerful engines. They named it Lituanica and christened the plane at the Standard Oil Anchor here at Midway Airport, then called Municipal Airport.”

Barniskis quoted the aviators as they left on their journey, “To you young Lithuanians we dedicate this flight.”

Darius and Girenas had no navigational equipment, using only a compass to guide the plane. Yet, even with unfavorable weather conditions, they were able to keep on an accurate course.

On the evening of July 16, they flew over Scotland. Darius and Girenas had successfully crossed the Atlantic, but were stopped just 650 kilometers short of their goal of Kaunas when their plane crashed in a forest in southern Germany.

Their flight became the second best in aviation history.

Before the unveiling of the refurbished plaque, Barniskis said, “It is fitting that we honor the spirit of their lives here at Midway Airport where it all began.”

By Kathy Headley