Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 98 Part 3.djvu/345

 PUBLIC LAW 98-539—OCT. 19, 1984

98 STAT. 2717

Public Law 98-539 98th Congress Joint Resolution Designating February 16, 1985, as "Lithuanian Independence Day".

Whereas February 16, 1985, marks the sixty-seventh anniversary of the restoration of independence to the more than 700 year old Lithuanian state; Whereas Lithuania was recognized as a free and independent nation by the entire free world; Whereas a free Lithuania existed until she was by force and fraud occupied and illegally annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940; Whereas the United States opposes tyranny and injustice in all forms and supports the cause of a free Lithuania; Whereas all Americans of Lithuanian descent protest the Soviet presence in the land of their ancestors; and Whereas the oppressed people currently living in Lithuania, who still aspire to exercise their right for self-government, should keep the flame of freedom forever burning in their hearts: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President shall issue a proclamation designating February 16, 1985, as "Lithuanian Independence Day" and calling on the people of the United States to celebrate such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved October 19, 1984.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 655: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 130 (1984): Oct. 5, considered and passed House and Senate.

Oct. 19, 1984 „ ^ ' ^ '—rrir;— [H.J. Res. 655]

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