It is a tradition to assemble here on 13 January. We have assembled here today to recall the bloody events of 13 January 1991 and reconsider their place in and importance for our past, present and future.

Every year, as we commemorate the Day of the Defenders of Freedom, most of our hearts still keep vivid memories and remember bloodcurdling shootings, ferocious moments and long hours and days of uncertainty.

The 13^th of January was not only an attempt to kill Lithuania’s independence, but also to impede the aspirations and wishes of freedom-oriented nations to build an independent life, regain their freedom and independence.

The 13^th of January demonstrated genuine determination and self-sacrifice of the Lithuanian nation. It counted a number of victims: around 700 people were injured and 14 were killed.

The majority of the victims were former deportees or came from deportee families, who had survived Siberia. There were many young people among them. They all came from the very core of our nation. They considered Lithuania’s freedom and future to be more important than their own freedom and life.

And they all eternal and will remain in the memory of our nation. We respect them deeply.

Let us observe a minute of silence for those who died for the freedom of our homeland. (Thank you)

As we commemorate this day, we recall all the participants in the 13 January 1991 events with high regard.

We recall those who dug anti-tank ditches, constructed barricades on the streets of the capital, near the Parliament, near the buildings of the Radio and Television Committee, near the TV Tower and bridges in Vilnius day and night.

We recall those who supplied food to tens of thousands defenders of the Parliament and those who shared a cup of hot tea and homemade sandwiches brought to the bonfires from the remotest towns and villages.

We recall those who stood guard for hours on end to protect us from the enemy.

Twenty two years ago, we were united as never before; we were caring, kind and helpful. Back then, we were a large and friendly family where members understand each other intuitively. Back then, we went, we ran and we drove where there was the biggest need. The need for our idealism and desire to preserve what had just been recovered.

Dear participants in the 13 January events,

Twenty-two years ago, we were really different and we had so much determination, hope and confidence that we had to lead a different life – be free, independently govern our country and take care of our people. We had the sole objective – a free Lithuania – and we feared no tanks back then. We felt the unity during the Sąjūdis rallies and the Baltic Way when we joined our hands to form a live chain stretching from Vilnius to Tallinn.

There was so much hope, confidence and unity that we feared no hostile tanks. The whole Lithuania: children, women, men, and the elderly gathered to defend our homeland. Back then, all the people, including engineers, artists, constructors, medical doctors, journalists, students and school pupils undertook the same task as the defenders of freedom.

Even those, or at least the majority of those who got into the swirl by chance or were driven by curiosity at the sight of the tanks and the sound of gun shots and our songs, became the participants in the 13 January events and embraced the ideals of independence, freedom and Lithuania.

The unity manifestly translated into physical and spiritual power.

The world also learnt about the 13^th of January.

Excellency Ambassadors,

We extend our sincere gratitude to all the countries you represent that supported us 22 years ago and on the days we needed support most. Without you, with our dignity and unity only, we would have possibly not stopped the tanks.

We wouldn’t have succeeded despite the human lives lost and the people injured. Some people are still in pain not only due to their physical disabilities, but also due to the lack of our attention.

We extend our thanks to your journalists who informed the world about the developments in Lithuania then.

We thank your citizens, who joined us to defend Lithuania’s freedom and took an oath as voluntary defenders of Lithuania at the Seimas.

The presence of the Russian democratic forces, democratically minded people, politicians, journalists and the artistic elite was also of greatly important.

A new generation grew up during the 22 years that have passed. Many things have changed and we all have changed too.

Having restored and preserved its independence, Lithuania chose to strengthen its democracy, develop civic society, cherish its cultural heritage and integrate into the Euro Atlantic organisations.

The citizens of the Republic of Lithuania adopted by referendum the basic law of the country – the Constitution. As Lithuania embarked on the 21^st century, it had restored its statehood and was joining international organisations this way ensuring the hope of a secure future for the country and a stable life for its society. Lithuania joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union. It also solemnly celebrated the millennium anniversary of its changing and complex existence. It was symbolic that Vilnius became the European Capital of Culture the same year. Now, Lithuania is preparing for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union to be held this year.

Thus, despite all the problems and obstacles, emerging difficulties and crises, we feel resolute and hopeful about addressing the challenges in the third millennium. It is only in unity and solidarity that we will overcome all the difficulties and head towards the future.

I invite you all to continue and follow the tradition of a very meaningful and dear historical Day of the Defenders of Freedom, take pride in our homeland and the achievements of our country and love and treasure it. Where there is love, there is care and, where there is care, there will be greater responsibility for our country, its people and their future.

With a feeling of respect for the memory of those who died, let us also remind everyone that they have a responsibility for our homeland and its freedom, a responsibility to remember and to protect it.

On 13 January each year, without the encouragement of those whose parents or grandparents defended Lithuania’s freedom in 1991, let us assemble near the Parliament, the very place where the whole nation stood guard and sang. Let us bring our children, grandchildren and other relatives here. Let us be together on this day and recall the historical January events, so that we always know why the bonfires of remembrance are lit on the eve of 13 January.

It might evolve into a beautiful tradition when every person in Lithuania feels an urge to come here without special encouragement. And this tradition can become an inspiration for Lithuania. I sincerely hope it will.

Thank you.

Last updated on 2013-01-21

by Jolanta Anskaitienė