[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 99 (Thursday, June 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE

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                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2018

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the great country of 
Lithuania and the hundred-year anniversary of her independence. On 
February 16, 1918, Lithuania declared her independence from the Russian 
empire and has since been a tremendous ally to the United States in 
Eastern Europe.
  In 1917, in a tumultuous geopolitical climate, dominant superpowers 
throughout Europe, including the Russian and German empires, were 
seeking to control the Baltic state of Lithuania. Despite these 
powerful forces, the Lithuanian people dreamt of a unified, sovereign 
nation founded on the rich cultural and linguistic history of the 
region. They longed to gain independence from the powers of Europe and 
establish their country on democratic values and ideals.
  In September 1917, the Vilnius Conference met to begin the process of 
separating from the Russian Empire. The Conference established a group 
of 20 men, known as the Council of Lithuania, to act in the interest of 
the Lithuanian people throughout this arduous process. In December 
1917, the Council, led by activist Jonas Basanavicius, declared 
Lithuania to be independent as a protectorate of Germany. Seeing that 
the German Empire was weakened by its struggles in World War I, the 
Council adopted the Act of Independence of Lithuania on February 16, 
1918, ultimately liberating the country from the powers of Europe.
  Since the days of her independence, Lithuania has maintained a strong 
working relationship with the United States. Though, for a time during 
World War II, Lithuania was forcefully annexed and occupied by the 
Soviet Union, the United States never recognized this lapse in 
Lithuanian independence and has always supported Lithuania's democratic 
principles and values. By joining NATO and the UN in 2004, Lithuania 
has demonstrated a deep commitment to peace and freedom that I am proud 
to acknowledge here today.
  One hundred years removed from this historic independence, it is an 
honor to recognize the rich history and culture of one our nation's 
strongest international allies. With confidence and support, the United 
States looks forward to additional centuries of Lithuanian strength and 
prosperity.

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