[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 22 (Friday, February 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    COMMEMORATION OF THE 77TH ANNIVERSARY OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 3, 1995
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 77th 
anniversary of Lithuanian independence. On Sunday, February 5, 1995, 
the Detroit-area Lithuanian community will mark the event by holding a 
commemorative ceremony at the Lithuanian Cultural Center in Southfield, 
MI.
  Lithuania was occupied for nearly 55 years. During that time, 
Lithuanian representation in the United States was uninterrupted. For 
those many difficult years, the United States never recognized 
Lithuania's forced incorporation into the former U.S.S.R.
  In 1991, the United States granted most-favored-nation trading status 
to the Baltic Republic of Lithuania. Since that time, trade with 
Western countries has risen from less than 8 percent of the total to 
over 24 percent. In addition, the spread of private sector activity is 
creating jobs and boosting consumer spending. I understand that the 
introduction of a stable currency a year and a half ago is stimulating 
investment. And, there are now over 55,000 privately owned companies in 
Lithuania. The transition from an occupied nation to a free country has 
been challenging, but it is a challenge that Lithuanians proudly face.
  The Lithuanian community is especially excited to have as their guest 
speaker, Arturas Paulauskas, Esq., the current attorney general of 
Lithuania. Mr. Paulauskas has devoted his energies to combating 
corruption and economic crime. Along with Lithuanians in American and 
the homeland, I support him in his work to promote a prosperous future 
for all Lithuania.
  I am watching events in Lithuania with much optimism. This weekend's 
celebration marks the second anniversary without Russian military 
forces deployed inside the Republic. We must all work to see that they 
never return.
  I commend the Lithuanian-American community for their vigilance 
through the many difficult years and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
commemorating the 77th anniversary of Lithuanian independence.




                          ____________________