Speaker. earlier this year I cosponsored a resolution. which became Public Law 9839. designating June 14. 1983. as "Baltic Freedom Day." Although its name might suggest otherwise. "Baltic Freedom Day" commemorates one of the darkest occasions in world history. 42 years ago. on June 14. 1941. the Soviet Union began its invasion and takeover of the Baltic StatesEstonia. Latvia. and Lithuania. In one of the great atrocities of modern civilization. the Soviet Union proceeded to execute countless thousands of the Baltic people. in addition to deporting over 1 million others to slave labor camps in Siberia and other parts of the Soviet Union. Just as significant. however. is that Baltic Freedom Day reminds us that this tragedy has continued now for over 40 years. Each of the Baltic States is. in fact. a captive nation.
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