[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATION OF THE 79TH ANNIVERSARY OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 1997

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 79th 
anniversary of Lithuanian Independence. On Sunday, February 16, 1997, 
the Detroit-area Lithuanian community marked the event by holding a 
commemorative ceremony at the Lithuanian Cultural Center in Southfield, 
MI. The guest speaker was Majoras Valdos Sarapinas, the Military 
Attache from the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington, DC.
  For nearly 55 years, Lithuania was occupied by Russian military 
forces. In the past 4 years, the people of Lithuania have been able to 
enjoy and celebrate the freedoms and privileges of a free nation.
  Since 1991, when the United States granted Lithuania most-favored-
nation status, Lithuania has been trying to align itself with Western 
nations. In 1996, Lithuania reaped the benefits of economic reform with 
lower inflation rates and stable currencies. Their GDP was expected to 
grow 6.1%. The integration of Western economic and security structures 
along with the desire to join NATO has transformed Lithuania into a 
growing competitive nation.
  I am optimistic that the recent economic and political progress in 
Lithuania will continue. Lithuania has my full support in joining the 
Western nations and institutions as they strive to build their country 
upon the principles of democracy. This celebration marks the fourth 
anniversary of freedom from the military forces deployed inside 
Lithuania.
  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 79th Anniversary of Lithuanian Independence.

                          ____________________