Public Law 98–2

Joint Resolution

To direct the President to issue a proclamation designating February 16, 1983, as “Lithuanian Independence Day”.

Whereas February 16, 1983, marks the sixty-fifth anniversary of the declaration of independence of Lithuania;

Whereas on February 16, 1918, the Council of Lithuania, the sole representative of the Lithuanian people, in conformity with the recognized right to national self-determination, proclaimed the restitution of the independent and democratic state of Lithuania and declared rupture of all ties which formally bound Lithuania to other nations;

Whereas a free Lithuania existed until the Soviet takeover 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 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,

Approved February 16, 1983.