Lithuania to mark 85 yrs since US declaration condemning Soviet occupation of Baltics

VILNIUS - Lithuania will mark the 85th anniversary of the United States' declaration condemning the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states with a commemorative event in Vilnius' Washington Square on Wednesday.

The event will feature a flag tribute to Lithuania and the United States, the national anthems, live music by the National Defense Volunteer Force Big Band, and American-style snacks, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Lithuania holds the event annually to express its gratitude to its ally, the United States, for never recognizing the occupation of the Baltic states, the ministry said.

On July 23, 1940, US Secretary of State Sumner Welles issued a formal statement refusing to recognize the annexation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Throughout the 50 years of Soviet occupation, Lithuania maintained an embassy in Washington, D.C., and the flags of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia continued to fly outside the US State Department.