“Restoration of Statehood Day is a reservoir for building our statehood, diplomacy and civil society. A state is a dynamic, continually growing unity that rests on our citizens. People who are prepared not only to build but also to defend their land, freedom, wish to live a life abiding be the democratic values. Our independence since the start on 16 February 1918 is the work we do to the advantage of our statehood,” Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas said. He celebrated Restoration of Statehood Day and laid flower tribute at the monument for Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas, signatory to the Declaration of 16 February 1949, Chairman of the Council of the Lithuanian Liberation Movement, Partisan General and Head of State in the fight against the occupation. The ceremony was also attended by Chief of the Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Brig Gen Mindaugas Steponavičius, solute rounds were shot by the Honour Guard Company, and a minute of silence observed.
Signatories to the Act of Independence of 16 February 1918 were honoured at Rasos Cemetery, and the Honour Guard Company took part in the ceremony of hoisting the three Baltic states’ flags in Simonas Daukantas Square in Vilnius.
Photo credits: Alfredas Pliadis, Sgt Spc 1st Class Ieva Budzeikaitė
