Whereas, February 16, 2003, marks the 85th anniversary of the 1918 restoration
of independence to a Lithuanian state in existence for more than 700 years;
and,
Whereas, The independence was short lived for the Lithuanian people, as invading
Russian troops invaded the small Baltic nation; and,
Whereas, Despite sacrifice, the Lithuanian people never forgot the February
16, 1918, independence proclamation and their love and desire for independence,
liberty, justice, and freedom of thought and action – principles which
we as American citizens and our fellow citizens in democratic nations are fortunate
to enjoy; and,
Whereas, After decades of struggle, mass demonstrations, nation-wide strikes
and courageous referendum votes for freedom, on March 11, 1991, the citizens
of Lithuania finally achieved the restoration of their free, independent and
democratic nation declared in 1918; and now therefore be it,
Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan,
do hereby proclaim February 16, 2004, as Lithuanian Independence Day in Michigan
and I urge all citizens to join me and our citizens of Lithuanian descent in
recognizing this historic observance and the sacrifices made by the people of
Lithuania in their pursuit for freedom and democracy.
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