[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 26 (Thursday, February 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2012

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the 94th anniversary of 
Lithuanian independence.
  Lithuania gained its independence from the Russian Empire at the end 
of World War I. It was the first time in three centuries that the 
Lithuanian people were free of the czarist regime. Their newfound 
liberty lasted only until 1940, when Stalinist Russian troops invaded 
and annexed Lithuania and the other Baltic states. The Lithuanian 
people suffered greatly under a brutal Soviet regime, but they never 
gave up their quest for freedom and self-determination. After decades 
of struggle, Lithuania finally gained its independence from the Soviet 
Union on March 11, 1990.
  Freedom never came easily for the Lithuanian people. The celebration 
of Lithuanian independence is a reminder to all Lithuanians of their 
heroic struggle to obtain and maintain that freedom. Lithuanian 
Independence Day is a remembrance of the many years Lithuania spent 
under oppressive foreign rule, and of its people's struggle to be free. 
Americans of Lithuanian descent commemorate the anniversary of 
Lithuanian independence with celebrations and festivities throughout 
the country.
  The Knights of Lithuania was organized on April 27, 1913. They 
believe in their members' dedication by having an appreciation of the 
Lithuanian language, customs, and culture, and by emphasizing the 
importance of their Roman Catholic beliefs. They strive to live up to 
their motto, ``For God and Country'' through cultural presentations, 
lectures, trips, and choral and dance groups. They are tremendous 
advocates of the Lithuanian people and heritage.
  Mr. Speaker, the 94th anniversary of Lithuanian independence is a 
milestone of that nation's freedom. I commend all those of Lithuanian 
heritage for their dedication to their heritage, their community, and 
their country.

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