Roma Bikulčius, Author at Lithuanian National Guard

Composite image featuring the City of Chicago proclamation honoring Lithuanian aviators, portraits of Darius and Girėnas with their aircraft Lituanica, Feliksas Vaitkus with Lituanica II, and Alderman Nicole Lee, who introduced the resolution in 2025.

Chicago Proclamation Honors Lithuanian Aviators

By Roma Bikulčius • September 7, 2025

On July 15, 2025, the City of Chicago formally recognized Lithuanian aviation pioneers Steponas Darius, Stasys Girėnas, and Feliksas Vaitkus. Thanks to Alderman Nicole Lee’s initiative, a proclamation now affirms Chicago’s Lithuanian diaspora as a vital part of aviation history and global cultural ties. A community celebration will take place on September 27 at Bernice’s Tavern in Bridgeport.

Side-by-side images of Lituanica with Darius and Girėnas (1933) and Lituanica II with Feliksas Vaitkus (1935), symbolizing two connected Lithuanian transatlantic flights

Heritage and History

From Darius & Girenas to Vaitkus – One Mission, Two Flights

By Roma Bikulčius • July 28, 2025

After Darius and Girėnas’ tragic 1933 flight, Feliksas Vaitkus continued their mission in 1935. This article explores how Lituanica II fulfilled the Lithuanian dream and why both flights still matter to our national identity and diaspora unity.

Feliksas Vaitkus and Lituanica II during the 1935 transatlantic flight mission

Heritage and History

Feliksas Vaitkus – The 1935 Transatlantic Flight

By Roma Bikulčius • July 24, 2025

Aviation pioneer Feliksas Vaitkus became the only solo transatlantic pilot of 1935. His daring flight aboard Lituanica II bridged Lithuania and the diaspora. 90 years later, his legacy still inspires pride, memory, and unity.

Roma Bikulčius

Chicago Proclamation Honors Lithuanian Aviators

From Darius & Girenas to Vaitkus – One Mission, Two Flights

Feliksas Vaitkus – The 1935 Transatlantic Flight

Recent News

General Stasys Dirmantas: Exile, Scholarship, and Legacy, 1940–1975

Reformer of Lithuania’s Armed Forces (1919-1938)

Follow Us

Quick Info

Newsletter