Justice in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Dr. Kazys Grinius

1866•XII•17 — 1950•VI•4

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 23, 2025

1. Dr. Kazys Grinius Marker

Inscription.
[Lithuanian language text:]
Lietuvos Respublikos Prezidentas
Tautos Žadintojas Varpininkas
Laisvės Lietuvių Tautai!
[English translation:]
President of the Republic of Lithuania
The Bell Ringer of the Nation
Freedom for the Lithuanian Nation!

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Immigration • Political Subdivisions • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 41° 44.421′ N, 87° 50.78′ W. Marker is in Justice, Illinois, in Cook County. It can be reached from Kean Avenue 0.2 miles south of 81st Street, on the right when traveling north. The memorial is in section 9 of Lithuanian National Cemetery, south and east of the main entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8301 Kean Avenue, Justice IL 60458, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Darius-Girenas American Legion Post 271 (about 400 feet away); Ssg. Stanley (Bendorius) Bender (about 400 feet away); Lithuanian National Cemetery (about 500 feet away); Płk Antoni Skarbek-Szacki

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(approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Old Glory (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Justice.

More about this marker. The memorial includes a bust of Grinius flanked by two tall stones. Grinius was originally buried here at Lithuanian National Cemetery, however, he was apparently never interred beneath this memorial to him. His remains were moved to Lithuania in 1994.

Regarding Dr. Kazys Grinius. Kazys Grinius was a doctor and key figure in the movement for Lithuanian independence. When the country became independent in 1918, Grinius served in Parliament, including about a year and a half as prime minister, from 1920 until 1922. In 1926 he was elected president, but was ousted in 1927 in a military coup. He moved to Kaunas, where he practiced medicine. During German occupation of Lithuanian during World War II, Grinius was asked to set up a Nazi-controlled government, but he refused to sanction the killing of Jews, the deportation of Lithuanians, or the colonization of Lithuania by

Dr. Kazys Grinius Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 23, 2025

2. Dr. Kazys Grinius Memorial

Germany. He and his family fled west in 1944, until they finally reached U.S. lines and the relative safety of a refugee camp. The Grinius family was permitted to move to the United States in 1947, and Grinius died in Chicago in 1950. Grinius's remains were originally buried here at Lithuanian National Cemetery, but repatriated in Lithuania in 1994 after the country had regained its independence from the Soviet Union. He is buried near Ąžuolų Būda, about 30 miles southwest of Kaunas.

Also see . . . Kazys Grinius bio. From the website of Lithuania's president (Submitted on February 28, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Grinius bust at his memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 23, 2025

3. Grinius bust at his memorial

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 28, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.