Durbin Introduces Resolution Honoring Victims of Communism

DURBIN INTRODUCES RESOLUTION HONORING VICTIMS OF COMMUNISIM

Also co-sponsors joint resolution seeking Russian acknowledgement of Baltic occupation

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced a resolution in the Senate today expressing continued support for the construction of the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, D.C. Durbin also announced he has co-sponsored a joint resolution between the House of Representatives and the Senate asking Russia to denounce the Soviet Union's occupation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

In a statement on the Senate floor, Durbin said, "When I visited Lithuania for the first time in 1979, it was under Soviet domination. Freedom was at a premium, and the poor people of that country struggled day after day wondering if they would ever have another chance at self-governance. I have journeyed to the region on several occasions since then, and I have witnessed the miracle of independence and democracy coming to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia."

The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation plans to construct the memorial near the Georgetown University Law Center. Aiding the efforts of The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation are the Joint Baltic American National Committee and the Baltic American Freedom League.

Durbin's grandmother and mother came to the United States from Lithuania in 1911. Durbin, who serves as Assistant Minority Leader, is the highest ranking Lithuanian American member of the U.S. Government.

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=238110&&