[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E279]
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

                      Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the anniversary 
of the restoration of Lithuania's independence, and the re-
establishment of their independence as it is commemorated by the 
Cleveland Chapter of the Lithuanian American Community.
  On February 16, 1918, the people of Lithuania declared their 
independence to the world as a distinct country with 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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