[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 26 (Tuesday, March 4, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA DAY

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I am honored to join again with 
nearly 1 million Lithuanian Americans in commemorating the 79th 
anniversary of the proclamation of an independent Lithuania, especially 
at a time when the Lithuanian people are rebuilding their democracy.
  After more than seven centuries of struggle, the Lithuanians have 
finally succeeded in reestablishing an independent republic. While 
their hopes were realized once before in this century, their freedom 
was abruptly revoked in 1940, after 22 years of democratic governance.
  Throughout this long and difficult period, the people of Lithuania 
and the other Baltic nations never wavered from their beliefs in 
democratic values and their desires for liberty and freedom. In keeping 
with such a strong commitment, their independence after so many years 
is not only something to celebrate, it is an incentive for us all to 
rededicate ourselves to the democratic principles commemorated by this 
anniversary.
  Since 1990, when Lithuania rejoined the international community of 
democratic nations, the country has recognized the importance of 
meaningful political and economic reforms. Most significantly, 
Lithuania recently experienced another peaceful transfer of civilian 
rule, demonstrating the increasing stability of its democracy.
  Lithuania's commitment to continue along the path of economic reforms 
also promises greater prosperity in the years to come. A number of 
indicators suggest the possibility of a brighter future for the 
Lithuanian economy, despite the difficult period of transition that has 
resulted from the collapse of the Soviet Union. Gross domestic product 
is expected to rise this year, and continue to do so the next. 
Inflation is expected to decline. Industrial production is also on the 
rise.
  In addition, Lithuania has reached out to its neighbors, both those 
in the Baltic region and those further to the west. The Baltic Economic 
Cooperation Agreement and Lithuania's decision to join the Council of 
Europe are examples of this young democracy's determination to remain 
economically and politically engaged with the rest of the world.
  At this time of year, our thoughts also turn to those Lithuanians who 
suffered under the brutality of the Nazi and Soviet occupations. Many 
risked and lost their lives for the rights and freedoms that 
Lithuanians today are privileged to enjoy. Their steadfast 
determination and courage eventually prevailed, providing hope for all 
peoples who dream someday to be free.
  The writer Vincent Boris has observed that Lithuanian ``statehood was 
reestablished within a continuum of nationhood.'' Indeed, the 
Lithuanian people have drawn their strength from a very real sense that 
nationhood can never be oppressed. That sense of nationhood has been 
most evident here in the United States, where we have witnessed the 
unyielding dedication of Lithuanian Americans to the freedom of their 
native land. Their perseverance encouraged many of us to stand in this 
body over the last several decades and proclaim our support for a 
Lithuanian republic.
  We in Maryland, and our Nation, are particularly fortunate to have 
such an active Lithuanian-American community. Its longstanding 
traditions of self-help and voluntarism and its dedication to the 
democratic ideals that have prevailed in Lithuania have truly enriched 
the history of this country. In areas ranging from business, to 
academia, to the arts, Lithuanian-Americans consistently make 
significant contributions across the Nation.
  Mr. President, recently, Lithuanians gathered in their capital, 
Vilnius, to commemorate this anniversary. I am proud that we in the 
United States have continued to stand with them on this occasion, both 
in years when there was much to celebrate and in years when there were 
only memories and dreams of a better future. It is my sincere hope that 
we can celebrate this anniversary with the same optimism that we do 
this year for many years to come.

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