Fellow Citizens,
Excellencies,
Honourable Guests,
Crowds of people gathered in this Square two decades ago waiting for a historic decision to be taken. The decision was soon proclaimed by the democratically elected Seimas and Lithuania thus restored its millennium-old statehood.
The 11 March Act was not only a logical outcome of the national revival. It was a continuation of Lithuanian history that recorded the rule of King Mindaugas and later the struggles waged by the participants of the 19th century uprising, the first volunteers of the Republic and the post-war freedom fighters. The historical memory and the spirit of freedom, passed down from generation to generation, was the most powerful force that provided determination for making the most critical decisions. This determination, which evolved from the past, was probably the reason why Lithuania was the first country to declare its independence from the powerful empire.
The determination and courage also derived from the knowledge that we were not alone and that we stood up to fight for freedom together with other nations, primarily with Latvia and Estonia, our companions in adversity. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the leaders of Latvia and Estonia who are present here today for their solidarity and community, which was extremely valuable back in 1990.
Two decades is a short period in the history of the country that counts the second millennium of its existence. Too short a distance of time divides us from those past events; our memories are too vivid and sentimental to fully grasp the miracle of 11 March 1990. Let future generations do it while today we are convinced that it was one of the most prominent dates in Lithuanias history and one of the most significant facts in the life of our state and our nation. Moreover, it was certainly an enormous grace of God and a gift of fate for each and every one of us.
I thank all who share my emotions. I thank all who have covered a symbolic way of revival from every corner of Lithuania for the celebration, and I especially thank our vibrant young generation! I cordially congratulate all of you on the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuanias independence!
We celebrate a free Lithuania!
