[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Cleveland 
Chapter of the Lithuanian American Community's commemoration of the 
anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania's independence, and the re-
establishment of their independence.
  On February 16, 1918, the people of Lithuania declared their 
independence to the world as a distinct country of its own culture and 
traditions. The state was founded on democratic principles and declared 
its independence in a peaceful manner. However, Lithuania's freedom was 
short-lived, as the country and its people were subjected to foreign 
occupation and conquest by the Nazi Germany regime and the U.S.S.R. 
during World War II. In 1940, the Soviet Union took control of 
Lithuania, without the people's consent. This unjust control of a free 
people lasted for 50 years. On March 11, 1990, upon the fall of the 
Soviet Union, the people of Lithuania re-established their 
independence, and once again, became a sovereign, free state.
  The Lithuanian-American Community's Cleveland Chapter has worked to 
connect the people of Cleveland of Lithuanian descent and to share 
their rich and vibrant culture with the community. I offer my best 
wishes for the upcoming celebration of their heritage and their 
independence.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in commemorating the 
independence of Lithuania and, in wishing the country and its people 
continued freedom and success.

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