June 1417 marked the 32d anniversary of the invasion of Soviet troops into the independent nations of Lithuania. Latvia. and Estonia. Baltic citizens throughout the wolld were. once again. forced to remember that deplorable action by the Russians. and the eventual deportation of numerous Baltic patriots to remote sections of the Soviet Union. During the years of national independence and selfgovernment. from liberation in 1918 until the invasion in 1940. the people of these Baltic nations demonstrated to the world their capability for developing and maintaining national prosperity. Great cultural advances were seen in those limited years of freedom. particularly in the area of scientific improvements and literary achievements. But the tragic invasion by the powerful Red army. occupying Lithuania on June 14. and seizing Latvia and Estonia by June 17. abruptly terminated the growth and advancement of he Baltic -States. This action. however. was only .the beginning of great sorrow and hardship for these courageous people. Within several months approximately 100.000 citizens were deported to various undesirable regions of the Soviet Union and -the once enjoyed treasures of freedom were soon destroyed. Mr. President. the 32d anniversary of this outrageous act of aggression should serve as a reminder to all American citizens of the contributions of" the Baltic people to the democratic way of life.
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deported deportation