THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thank you, Mr.
President. Thank you for your friendship and thank you for your
leadership.
I'm also honored to be here with the Presidents of Latvia and
Estonia. I want to thank them for coming, as well. Laura and I are
honored to be here with you. Thank you for coming out to say hello.
(Applause.)
This is a great day in the history of Lithuania, in the history of
the Baltics, in the history of NATO, and in the history of freedom.
(Applause.) The countries of NATO have opened the doors of our
Alliance to Lithuania and six other European democracies. And I have
the honor of sharing this message with you: We proudly invite
Lithuania to join us in NATO, the great Atlantic Alliance. (Applause.)
Many doubted that freedom would come to this country, but the
United States always recognized an independent Lithuania. (Applause.)
We knew that this continent would not remain divided. We knew that
arbitrary lines drawn by dictators would be erased, and those lines are
now gone. No more Munichs. No more Yaltas. The long night of fear,
uncertainty and loneliness is over. You're joining the strong and
growing family of NATO. Our Alliance has made a solemn pledge of
protection, and anyone who would choose Lithuania as an enemy has also
made an enemy of the United States of America. (Applause.) In the
face of aggression, the brave people of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia
will never again stand alone.
THE PRESIDENT: You're welcome. (Laughter.) You are needed in the
Nato Alliance. You will contribute to our common security. Yet the
strength of NATO does not only depend on the might of armies, but on
the character of men and women.
We must be willing to stand in the face of evil, to have the
courage to always face danger. The people of the Baltic states have
shown these qualities to the world. You have known cruel oppression
and withstood it. You were held captive by an empire and you outlived
it. And because you have paid its cost you know the value of human
freedom.
Lithuania today is true to its best traditions of democracy and
tolerance and religious liberty, and you have earned the respect of my
nation and all nations. (Applause.)
Our alliance of freedom is being tested again by new and terrible
dangers. Like the Nazis and the communists before them, the terrorists
seek to end lives and control all life. And like the Nazis and the
communists before them, they will be opposed by free nations and the
terrorists will be defeated. (Applause.)
Over a decade ago hundreds of thousands of Lithuanians, Latvians
and Estonians joined hands, from Talin to Vilnius, to show your love
for freedom. Near Cathedral Square is a stone commemorating that
struggle. Inscribed on that stone is one word: Miracle. The recent
history of the Baltic states truly is a miracle. You've gained your
freedom; you have won your independence. You now join a great
Alliance, and your miracle goes on.
Today on this great day, may God bless the memory of Lithuanian
patriots and freedom fighters who did not live to see this moment. And
may God always bless the brave and the free people of Lithuania.
(Applause.)
Thank you for coming today. May God bless freedom. (Applause.)