[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF LITHUANIA'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, as Co-chair of the Baltic Caucus I am 
particularly honored to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the 
restoration of Lithuania's independence together with the 746th 
anniversary of the establishment of the Lithuanian kingdom.
  Lithuania is rich in history. This country has continually been 
occupied by regimes which exploited its natural resources and its 
people. However, the seed of democracy continued to grow within the 
Lithuanian people. In 1990, after four decades of suppression, 
Lithuania finally achieved freedom and re-established the independent 
Lithuanian state.
  This hard-fought victory for independence and democracy stands as a 
testament to the courage, endurance and strength of the Lithuanian 
people. I am honored today as we commemorate not only the original 
declaration of Lithuanian independence, but the ongoing sacrifices 
which these people endured to secure their freedom. The Lithuanian 
struggle stands as a symbol of the need to fight repression and unjust 
domination throughout the world.
  I commend the people of Lithuania for their vigilance through the 
many difficult years. There is much cause to celebrate in Lithuanian 
communities everywhere. Lithuanian Independence Day in Cleveland will 
be celebrated with a ceremony and arts programs at our Lady of 
Perpetual Help Church.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 81st anniversary 
of Lithuanian Independence.

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