Press release, 5 March 2015
Members of the Supreme Council–Reconstituent Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania,
Signatories to the Act of Independence of Lithuania,
You signed the document that enshrined Lithuania’s freedom, democracy and progress on a fateful day. In so doing, you expressed the will of the entire nation. You were the catalysts for the freedom of Lithuania. We take pride in your determination and courage. Sadly, vivid are our memories of the walls that had surrounded Lithuania and the army that was deployed on our soil. Only too well do we know how all-encompassing the system of intimidation, coercion and surveillance was. You had a national mandate. The fate of the nation was in your hands. You stayed firm. You never retreated. Your signature demonstrates your deep love for the homeland, your commitment to its history and to those who fought for the country’s freedom and died in the struggle. On 11 March, you accepted the responsibility for the future of our nation. Your consecutive achievements, your social and political activities attest to the fact that you continue moving along that same path throughout your lives. Please accept my gratitude for your 25 years of consistent and arduous work for the benefit of Lithuania and its people. Your civic duty is an inspiration to us all, including the young generation of Lithuanians, mobilising us to work for the benefit of Lithuania as well as for protecting and defending its independence.
The experience of our nation, gained in aspiration to freedom, and the painful losses suffered along the way, allow us to clearly see the potential threats today. Therefore, we talk openly about the importance for each European Union Member State to act on its political and economic commitments. We are open about responsibility, solidarity, and the need for the European Union to work sustainably and never lose sight of its main focus.
Today, as we talk about Lithuania and invoke the decisions taken and the work done by its citizens over the past 25 years, we can safely say that all the efforts were meaningful for Europe.
I am glad that we were united on issues of statehood. Our priorities were the European Union, NATO, and energy independence. We have achieved a lot. The 25 years of freedom have led to economic development, the development of our civil society, and consolidation of democracy. This is the most valuable experience.
Please accept my congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania’s Independence. It is my hope that we will all remain determined and focused in working for the benefit of Lithuania and that we will act on our commitments, just as did the signatories to the Act of Independence of Lithuania 25 years ago.
