HARRISBURG – Lithuanian Ambassador to the United States and Mexico Audra Plepytė visited Harrisburg today and addressed both the Senate and the House of Representatives on the importance of international ties between Pennsylvania and Lithuania. Senator David G. Argall (R-Berks/Schuylkill) introduced the Ambassador on the floor of the Senate.
“It was a great honor to introduce Ambassador Plepytė on the floor of the Senate today,” said Argall. “This year marks the 28th anniversary of the military partnership between Lithuania and the Pennsylvania National Guard. I’m grateful Ambassador Plepytė was able to visit our state capitol and reaffirm the close ties between Pennsylvania and Lithuania.”
“It was an honor to have the Lithuanian ambassador to the United States and Mexico, Ambassador Plepytė, here on the House floor today,” said Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill). “Back home in Schuylkill County where the coal miners helped fuel the American Industrial Revolution, we have the highest population of Lithuanian ancestry in the United States. Schuylkill County also proudly hosts the longest running ethnic heritage festival – Lithuanian Days – which we have held since 1914.”
“I am happy to welcome Lithuanian Ambassador Plepytė to Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-Schuylkill/Dauphin). “Pennsylvania’s ties to Lithuania are deep. As a young officer in the Pennsylvania National Guard, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to train with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and I can attest to their love of freedom and of our American and Pennsylvanian values. I look forward to Pennsylvania continuing to foster strong ties with Lithuania.”
“It was a pleasure to welcome Ambassador Plepytė to the House Floor,” said Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Schuylkill). “Throughout Schuylkill County and Pennsylvania, there is a strong Lithuanian heritage. It was great to discuss important issues with the ambassador today.”
Lithuanian military capabilities including planning, crisis management and civilian-military disaster response have been strengthened through the close partnership between the Pennsylvania National guard and their Lithuanian counterparts for the past 28 years.
More than 6000 of the people Senator Argall represents have deep Lithuanian roots. The 29th Senate district has the highest population of people with Lithuanian ancestry in Pennsylvania, according to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
Contact: Jim Brugger 717.787.2637