[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 48 (Monday, December 2, 2002)]
[Pages 2083-2084]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 2084]]

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 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 Talin 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.