“The commemoration of the historic Sumner Welles Declaration in Washington Square has become a nice tradition. Today we are proud of our freedom and joyfully say ‘thank you’ to those who have always supported us,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius said in a press release.
Traditionally, the flags of the three Baltic countries and the US will be hoisted and the Lithuanian and US national anthems will be played.
Marijus Gudynas, a former Lithuanian consul general in Chicago, will be the host of the event, which will feature performances by a jazz brass band and an alternative music performer. Traditional American food will be sold in the square.
Acting US Secretary of State Sumner Welles on Jully 23, 1940 issued a diplomatic statement refusing to recognize the annexation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The document marked the beginning of the US policy of non-recognition of the occupation of the Baltic nations.
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