Its civic leaders brought about longneeded land reform. created and expanded industry. established an adequate transportation system. and enacted social legislation and an educational policy which could well be copied by other nations throughout the world. Tragically. this breath of freedom was short lived. On June 15. 1940. the Soviets demanded immediate formation of a "friendly" government and occupied the country. That day. 5.000 political prisoners were executed. 30.000 members of the Lithuanian intelligentsia had been deported to Siberia the day before. Despite devastating blows like these. the people of Lithuania the world over have never abandoned their noble struggle for freedom and selfdetermination. Today. these courageous people still cling to the hope of independence. despite Soviet attempts to demoralize the people. and russify their culture and institutions.
Identified stereotypes
Characterizing all Lithuanians as courageous and clinging to hope.