[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2003

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 85th 
anniversary of Lithuanian independence and the 13th anniversary of 
freedom from Soviet occupation. In Southfield, Michigan, the 
Lithuanian-American Community of Michigan will be gathering on Sunday, 
February 16, 2003 at Divine Providence Lithuanian Catholic Church to 
celebrate this historic event.
  In February 1918, Lithuania declared its independence from Czarist 
Russia. During this period, Lithuanians were free to follow their 
cultural traditions and express their national identity. The Molotov-
Ribbentrop pact of 1939 caused Lithuania to spend the next five decades 
under Soviet domination, forced to deny their heritage, their language 
and their traditions.
  Despite the military might and repressive acts of the Soviets, the 
Lithuanians never lost touch with their roots and never lost their 
will. Lithuania's re-established independence in 1990 served as a 
testament to the courage, endurance and strength of the Lithuanian 
people. I was fortunate enough to be in Lithuania as its people 
celebrated the regaining of its independence.
  In the 13 short years since the re-establishment of its independence, 
Lithuania has made extraordinary advances in restoring democracy, 
ensuring human rights, securing the rule of law, developing a free 
market economy, and cultivating friendly relations with neighboring 
countries. Such achievements should be an inspiration to people 
everywhere.
  Mr. Speaker, I unite with Lithuanian-Americans and Lithuanians around 
the world in celebrating their independence day.

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