    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [November 23, 2002]
    [Pages 2117-2118]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks to the People of Lithuania in Vilnius
    November 23, 2002

        The President. Thank you all very much. Thank you, Mr. President.
    Thank you for your friendship, and thank you
    for your leadership.
        I'm also honored to be here with the Presidents of Latvia and Estonia. I
    want to thank them for coming as well. Laura and
    I are honored to be here with you. Thank you for coming out to say
    hello.
        This is a great day in the history of Lithuania, in the history of
    the Baltics, in the history of NATO, and in the history of freedom. The
    countries of NATO have opened the doors of our Alliance to Lithuania and
    six other European democracies. And I have the honor of sharing this
    message with you: We proudly invite Lithuania to join us in NATO, the
    great Atlantic Alliance.
        Many doubted that freedom would come to this country, but the United
    States always recognized an independent Lithuania. We knew that this
    continent would not remain divided. We knew that arbitrary lines drawn
    by dictators would be erased, and those lines are now gone. No more
    Munichs. No more Yaltas. The long night of fear, uncertainty, and
    loneliness is over. You're joining the strong and growing family of
    NATO. Our Alliance has made a solemn pledge of protection, and anyone
    who would choose Lithuania as an enemy has also made an enemy of the
    United States of America. In the face of aggression, the brave people of
    Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia will never again stand alone.
        Audience members. Aciu! Aciu! Aciu!
        The President. You're welcome. [Laughter] You are needed in the NATO
    Alliance. You will contribute to our common security. Yet the strength
    of NATO does not only depend on the might of armies but on the character
    of men and women. We

    [[Page 2118]]

    must be willing to stand in the face of evil, to have the courage to
    always face danger.
        The people of the Baltic states have shown these qualities to the
    world. You have known cruel oppression and withstood it. You were held
    captive by an empire, and you outlived it. And because you have paid its
    cost, you know the value of human freedom. Lithuania today is true to
    its best traditions of democracy and tolerance and religious liberty,
    and you have earned the respect of my Nation and all nations.
        Our Alliance of freedom is being tested again by new and terrible
    dangers. Like the Nazis and the Communists before them, the terrorists
    seek to end lives and control all life. And like the Nazis and the
    Communists before them, they will be opposed by free nations, and the
    terrorists will be defeated.
        Over a decade ago, hundreds of thousands of Lithuanians, Latvians,
    and Estonians joined hands, from Tallinn to Vilnius, to show your love
    for freedom. Near Cathedral Square is a stone commemorating that
    struggle. Inscribed on that stone is one word, ``Miracle.'' The recent
    history of the Baltic states truly is a miracle. You've gained your
    freedom. You have won your independence. You now join a great Alliance,
    and your miracle goes on.
        Today, on this great day, may God bless the memory of Lithuanian
    patriots and freedom fighters who did not live to see this moment. And
    may God always bless the brave and the free people of Lithuania.
        Thank you for coming today. May God bless freedom.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:20 a.m. in Rotuse Square. In his
    remarks, he referred to President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania, who
    introduced the President; President Vaira Vike-Freiberga of Latvia; and
    President Arnold Ruutel of Estonia.