Lithuanian Independence Day 2012

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick

Whereas In 1795, the Polish-Lithuania Commonwealth was dissolved and divided by Russia, Prussia and Austria. A majority of Lithuania was placed under Russian rule. With the end of World War I, and the fall of the Russian Empire, Lithuania declared her independence on February 16th, 1918; and

Whereas During the 1940’s, Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union, and later, by Germany. By the end of the decade, Lithuania returned to Soviet occupation and lived under Communism for more than fifty years; and

Whereas On March 11th, 1990, Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare its independence; and

Whereas Our vibrant Lithuanian American community has made tremendous contributions to the Commonwealth’s society and culture,

Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim February 16th, 2012, to be

Lithuanian Independence Day

And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this twentieth day of January, in the year two thousand and twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

His Excellency
Deval L. Patrick                       
Governor of the Commonwealth           

William Francis Galvin               
Secretary of the Commonwealth

God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts