Baltic American Freedom League, Continued Lithuanian American Involvement Can Minimize Threats by Russian in BAFL’s 100th Bulletin

The Baltic American Freedom League (BAFL) is proud to announce the release of the 100th edition of the Baltic Bulletin. The first edition was printed in 1982 as the Baltic communities kept  Baltic cultures alive under communism and actively participated in civic actions to support Baltic freedom.   We are immensely proud of what the Baltic countries have accomplished since regaining their freedom. 

We are proud of their contributions to NATO and their principled leadership standing up for Ukraine. The Baltic countries today are free, vibrant economies.  They are leaders in Europe.

However, the Baltics will continue to face destabilization efforts and military threats by Russia, made more real by its invasion of Ukraine, Our communities must become involved in local activities and advocacy campaigns, and BAFL is here to lead the advocacy.  We only need you to continue to act now, as Lithuanian Americans have acted for more than 40 years.

This special Bulletin includes a timeline of truly historic times including the protests and events to educate the US on the evils of communist occupation, involvement with the White House and Congress to shape policy towards the Baltics as the Baltic peoples peacefully defied Soviet rule,  through to the recognition of Baltic independence, the removal of Soviet troops from the Baltics and the work leading to NATO enlargement.  These examples showcase what involved Americans can play a role in the future of the world.   Today, much remains to be done to ensure peace in Europe free from Russian invasion and meddling.

To celebrate the 100^th edition, the Bulletin includes a compilation of articles including: 

In his article, „Peace Through Strength: a call to pursue The Reagan Policy of Rollback with regards to the Russian Empire”, Darius Furmonavicius reviews steps to enhance Baltic Security including establishment of permanent US military presence in the 3 Baltic states to enhance NATO’s deterrent posture. He explains the strong commitment of the three to a robust defense budget and the physical defense of the countries through a defense line and their integration into European energy grid, the importance of NATO membership for Ukraine and the involvement of the United States in providing US military assistance.

As stated in his article, Furmonavicius cites a quote by President George W. Bush” .  

“Anyone who would choose Lithuania as an enemy has also made an enemy of the United States of America”.  This quote highlights that Lithuania has consistently punched above its weight. Lithuanian Americans must continue to do the same by remaining active in cultural and advocacy efforts.

The troubling deployment of over 10,000 North Korean troops to fight the embattled Ukrainians, is addressed by Gintas Kazlauskas n his piece, „An Axis of evil: Dispatched to Kursk region”.  The deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine represents a direct challenge to NATO and our non-NATO allies.

Lastly, the Bulletin highlights the ongoing importance of grassroots advocacy in ensuring the provision of US-Baltic security cooperation in „Strengthening Baltic defense” by BAFL Advocacy Advisor Anne Smith. She discusses the funding and programs currently at stake in Washington in the last month of 2024 and the importance of continued advocacy in 2025 with a new President and Congress.

As we look to Russia’s continued saber rattling towards the Baltic states and the growing conflict near the Baltic borders of NATO, we will be issuing in the coming months updated Calls to Action highlighting legislation that supports the Baltic States and asking you to send a message to your representatives in Congress.

We ask you to complete each Calls to Actions as they are released. Our current Call to Action on Baltic security is linked here. It is not too late to complete this if you have not already.

Please be active in our advocacy campaigns to support the future of Lithuania – Lithuanian Americans can make a vital difference.

We ask those who are reading this to remain attentive to opportunities to change history yet again by showing the world that the US-Baltic friendship is not only special and united by shared values, but it is also thriving.

To ensure that you received up to date Baltic Bulletins when they are published, please sign onto our newsletter at: https://bafl.com/get-involved/become-a-member/ or email BAFL at president@bafl.com.

This Bulletin can be found on the  BAFL website.  Direct link to the Bulletin: https://bafl.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BB4Fal2024-FINAL-4.2mb.pdf

Help BAFL to continue the fight for Lithuanian and Baltic independence, freedom, and the way of life we have all lived and want our families and friends back in Lithuania to continue to enjoy.  https://bafl.com/get-involved/make-an-online-gift/