13 January
Your Excellency President Valdas Adamkus,
President Algirdas Brazauskas,
Prime Minister,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Eighteen years have passed since that fateful day, when unarmed people
stood in defence of their state. On those January days the world was waiting in
apprehension for a message from Lithuania. Everyone realised that this time it
was Lithuania and that Latvia and Estonia might be next.
The message spread bringing pain and hope. Freedom was defended but at a
high cost of lives.
During those years our state has returned to the world map and has found
its place among other European nations, as well as reached a level of maturity
allowing sharing its experience with others.
Today we are creating an international image of Lithuania as a brave
country. We have the right to do so since all our achievements are the result
of brave, patriotic and selfless actions of our people. The deeds of the people
who stood at the origins of our states independence will be inscribed on the
pages of history, and their names will never be erased from the memory of the
nation.
In the name of their memory and as the sign of our deepest respect, we
are hoisting the State flag testifying to our glorious past and inviting us for
future work. Memory eternal to those who perished!
