PROCLAMATION 6099—FEB. 21, 1990 104 STAT. 5219 The ongoing Baltic dilemma remains an unresolved legacy of the Stalin era. However, the democratic reawakening in Lithuania offers hope that popular aspirations for political, economic, and social justice will be realized. The brave men and women of Lithuania began to pursue just and noble goals on the 16th of February, 1918. We reaffirm our support and admiration for the Lithuanian people as we recall the significance of that date today—the 72nd anniversary of Lithuanian independence. In recognition of the aspirations of freedom-loving people in all nations, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 149, has designated February 16, 1990, as "Lithuanian Independence Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 16, 1990, as Lithuanian Independence Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities in reaffirmation of their devotion to the principles of democracy and freedom throughout the world. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH Editorial note: For the statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on Lithuanian independence, dated Mar. 11, 1990, see the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 26, pp. 401, 444, 485]. Proclamation 6099 of February 21, 1990 Save Your Vision Week, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The loss of the precious gift of sight—at any age—is always tragic, but even more so when it could have been prevented. Certain eye disorders in young children can interfere with the development of normal vision. Some of these problems are difficult to detect and may go unnoticed until they have caused significant, perhaps even permanent, damage. Therefore, it is essential that parents have their children's vision checked at or before age 3. The early discovery and prompt treatment of an eye problem can prevent visual loss that might otherwise be irreparable by the time a child reaches school age. In adulthood, the estimated 11 million Americans who have diabetes are vulnerable to a potentially blinding eye disease known as diabetic retinopathy. People with diabetes often develop this condition, in which weakened blood vessels in the eye can cause severe vision loss
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