[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, as an American of Lithuanian descent, I 
always come down to the floor around this time of year to commemorate 
Lithuanian Independence Day.
  The 16th of February is the most important national holiday for 
Lithuanians. Eighty-four years ago Lithuania declared their 
independence from Germany. At this time its government held two main 
principles, restore statehood and the right to national self-
determination.
  Even after 50 plus years of Soviet occupation, these principles still 
hold true for Lithuania today. As soon as they established their 
independence in 1991, they have been working towards their goal towards 
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
  I am pleased that Lithuania has shown as much tenacity and discipline 
in its membership action plan program as it did towards achieving 
freedom. All indications show it will be a significant contributor 
towards the Alliance.
  Since 1994, over 1,000 Lithuania troops have served in NATO-led 
missions in the Balkans. Lithuania has expressed strong political and 
diplomatic support for the U.S. antiterrorist campaign, and it is ready 
to contribute its military and medical unit as part of the Czech 
hospital to the operation in Afghanistan and a military security unit 
within the Danish contingent to Kyrgyzstan as its practical 
contribution to the ``Enduring Peace'' operation.
  Moreover, Lithuania's current experience and positive relations with 
its neighbor, Russia, are poised to only get better once Lithuania 
receives an invitation to join NATO.
  I congratulate the people of Lithuania on their Independence Day for 
their hard work and perseverance, and I extend these greetings to all 
Americans of Lithuanian descent.

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