June 15 was a sad anniversary for the peaceloving people of Lithuania. This day marked the 34th anniversary of the forceful annexation of this freedomstarved nation by the Soviet Union. LithuanianAmericans and Lithuanians all over the world observed this occasion not with joy. but with sorrow. for it was on this day in 1940 when Lithuania was denied the right of national selfdetermination as well as their basic human rights. which was followed by mass deportation of thousands of Lithuanians to Siberian concentration camps. Since then the Soviet Union has continued its suppressive activities through religious and political persecution. denial of their basic rights and subjecting the Lithuanian people to constant harsh and inhuman treatment. The Soviet oppressors. however. have found that the courageous spirit of the Lithuanian people cannot be suppressed and that their determination for their set goal of selfrecognition and freedom is deeprooted and longlasting.
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deportation