Edited by Rasa Ardys-Juška

The United States Acknowledges Lithuania's Independence Day Celebrations

Rasa Ardys-Juška is the editor of BRIDGES.

During the months of February and March Lithuanian-Americans were recipients of federal, state, and city resolutions proclaiming February 16^th and March 10^th days of Lithuanian Independence commemoration.

Below is the wording of Concurrent Resolution 91 supported by these Senators: Mr. Durbin, Mr. Gorton, Mr. Lott, Mr. Helms, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Abraham, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Smith Mr. Robb, and Mr. Fitzgerald. The House of Representatives concurred with the Resolution.

In addition, Hon. Tom Lantos, of California, spoke before the House of Representatives in "strong" support of this Resolution. Here follows an excerpt from his speech.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. Con Res. 91 congratulating the Republic of Lithuania on the tenth anniversary of the re-establishment of its independence from the rule of the former Soviet Union. It is most appropriate that we are considering this resolution today, Mr. Speaker, because we have with us the most distinguished Speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament, Vytautas Landsbergis, who has played such a pivotal role in the renewal of the independence and sovereignty of Lithuania some ten years ago and who previously served as the President of Lithuania.

Mr. Speaker, I remember meeting with Speaker Landsbergis on a visit to Lithuania over ten years ago as the first stirrings of renewed independence were beginning to quicken life there. On that occasion, Speaker Landsbergis was a prominent musicologist and had not yet begun his political career. We walked together into one of Vilnius’ outstanding Churches in order to get beyond earshot of the Soviet KGB officials who were directed to follow us. As we sat in one of the pews, we discussed his vision of the reestablishment of a sovereign and independent Lithuania. At that time, his vision appeared beyond any hope. Today, Mr. Speaker, we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of Lithuania’s independence.

I had the opportunity to visit Lithuania just two months ago, Mr. Speaker, where I again had the opportunity to see the progress that has come after a decade of freedom. Lithuania’s extraordinary progress during the past decade should serve as a model for all young democracies. Its leaders and its people have shown a commitment to free markets, civil liberties, and fair and open government as they have worked with such devotion to build their great nation. Lithuania stands today as a respected member of the international community and one of America’s strongest allies. It is my sincere hope that, sooner rather than later, Lithuania’s extraordinary achievements will be recognized in the form of a well-deserved invitation to join the NATO.

Mr. Speaker, there is one matter of particular importance for which I would like to praise Speaker Landsbergis and the members of the Parliament (Seimas). Last month, by a vote of 54 to 6, the Seimas adopted amendments to the Lithuanian legal code which permit the conduct of war crimes trials in absentia if the accused is unable to be present for the trial because of medical reasons. This action will enable the Government of Lithuania to seek justice against some of the most notorious perpetrators of atrocities alive today.

This legislation, which was drafted by my friend Dr. Emanuelis Zingeris, the Chairman of the Seimas’ Human Rights Committee, states that if a person charged with genocide "cannot for reasons of his physical condition, according to the findings of experts, be present at the place of the hearing, the defendant shall be provided technical facilities at the place where he is staying to directly take part in the hearing by giving evidence to the court, putting questions to other participants of the hearing and taking part in the proceedings." This reform will allow defendants in war crimes the right to participate in their own defense, but it will also permit the victims of these horrendous crimes against humanity to see that justice is done…

…Mr. Speaker, it is in this spirit that I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting S. Con. Res. 91. The accomplishments of the Lithuanian people during the past decade are impressive, but they pale only in comparison to the promise of this great nation in the years to come.

Governor George H. Ryan, Illinois, affixed his signatures on two proclamations urging Lithuania's admission into NATO and acknowledging Lithuania's progress in the last decade, as well. If your state or city performed such a gracious act of proclamation, please let us know.