PUBLIC LAW 98-2—FEB. 16, 1983 97 STAT. 5 Public Law 98-2 98th Congress 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; Wheresis 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. That the President shall issue a proclamation designating February 16, 1983, as "Lithuanian Independence Day" and calling on the people of the United States to celebrate such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved February 16, 1983. Feb. 16, 1983 [H.J. Res. 60] Lithuanian Independence Day. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 60 (S.J. Res. 16): CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 129 (1983): Feb. 2, considered and passed House. Feb. 3, considered and passed Senate.
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