Lithuania. which was an independent state of great importance in the 13th. 14th. and 15th centuries. was resurrected to independent statehood on February 16. 1918. by the sacrifices and sufferings of her people. On the 36th anniversary of that date. it is fitting to recall that this small nation on the Baltic Sea has contributed greatly to human freedom throughout the ages. It was the Grand Duke Algirdas. of Lithuania. who stopped the Mongols in 1362. when they swept westward into Europe from the Asiatic Steppes behind the Ural Mountains. Andlet it be recalledit was this brave little country which first fought the Communist aggressors of the Kremlin. The world can learn many things from the experiences of the gallant people of Lithuania. who. after 14 years of almost constant Soviet occupation. are still fighting to free themselves from the grip of Communist terror.