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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
WHEREAS, one hundred years ago on February 16, 1918 Lithuania was reestablished as an independent democratic state, yet after 20 years of existence was caught up in the tides of World War II, was subjugated by alien forces in 1938;
WHEREAS, for 50 years the United States refused to recognize the forcible annexation of the Baltic States and has long supported the principle of self-determination for the peoples of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia;
WHEREAS, people of Lithuania yearned and struggled to achieve freedom and independence while preserving their religion, culture, language, and self-identity; and
WHEREAS, that element of self-preservation was evident in the Lithuanian immigrants who settled within United States and the Chicagoland area and contributed greatly to America by giving back to their adopted homeland, never forgetting their rich history, culture, and heritage; and
WHEREAS, we commend the perseverance of the Lithuanian people who stand against hatred, tyranny and aggression and recognize their endurance and commitment to freedom, liberty, and independence; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the rich cultural heritage and family values which are passed along to future generations through the many Lithuanian musical, social, fraternal, educational, and religious organizations; and
WHEREAS, the spirit of freedom lived on in the hearts and minds of the Lithuanian people and on March 11th, 1990 they exercised their right of self-determination and declared the reestablishment of the Lithuanian democratic state, with Vilnius as its capital.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Cook County Board of Commissioners join the Lithuanian community in the Chicagoland area in celebrating Lithuania’s independent democratic state and wish them a most enjoyable celebration on March 11, 2018; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and an official copy be tendered to the Lithuanian community in recognition of their consistent desire for freedom and democracy for Lithuania and their many contributions to the United States, their adopted country.
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