Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 3.djvu/985

 PROCLAMATION 5991—JUNE 15, 1989 103 STAT. 3053 leaders have been systematically harassed and imprisoned for activi- ties deemed imacceptable by the authorities. However, half a century of repression has not broken the spirit of the Baltic peoples. Today, their longing and hopes for liberty remain strong. Hundreds of thousands of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian men and women have publicly demonstrated their desire for freedom and de- mocracy, calling for national autonomy and control over their own af- fairs. The future looks brighter today than at any other time in the Baltic States' post-war experience. The undeniable voice of Baltic people is being heard. Some religious shrines—desecrated by the Communist government and used to house concerts, artwork, and even a museum of atheism—have been retiuned to the churches. Members of the clergy have been allowed to take up their pastoral duties. The unique lan- guages, national flags, and patriotic songs of the three countries have been restored. Some political prisoners have been released. These are important steps, but justice demands that more be taken. Recent improvements in human rights practices by the ruling Commu- nist officials are not complete, nor have they been institutionalized. The people of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia both demand and deserve lasting guarantees of their fundamental rights. The Government of the United States does not and will not recognize the unilateral incorporation by force of arms of the Baltic States into the Soviet Union. Of this observance of Baltic Freedom Day, we ex- press our solidarity with them and call upon the Soviet Union to listen to their calls for freedom and self-determination. By Senate Joint Resolution 63, the Congress has designated June 14, 1989, as "Baltic Freedom Day" and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Jtme 14, 1989, as Baltic Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with ap- propriate remembrances and ceremonies and to reaffirm their commit- ment to principles of liberty and freedom for all oppressed people. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fom-teenth day of June, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two him- dred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 5991 of June 15, 1989 National Grasslands Week, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation We Americans have been blessed with a fertile land of unparalleled beauty. It is the source of much of our country's sfrength and wealth.

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