Press release, 11 March 2014
People of Lithuania,
President of the Republic of Lithuania, Prime Minister, Bishop, Excellences Ambassadors,
Fellow members of the Seimas and the Government,
Chairman of the Supreme Council (Reconstituent Seimas),
Signatories to the Act of Independence of Lithuania,
Guests of the solemn sitting,
On 10 March 1990, the first session of the newly elected parliament was held in Vilnius.
On 11 March 1990, the Speaker of the Seimas was elected, Lithuania regained its old state name Republic of Lithuania, and Vytis was officially recognised as the national coat of arms and a national symbol.
At 10:44 p.m., the Act on the Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania was adopted by an absolute majority.
The document reads as follows. The Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania, expressing the will of the nation, decrees and solemnly proclaims that the execution of the sovereign powers of the State of Lithuania abolished by foreign forces in 1940, is re-established, and henceforth Lithuania is again an independent state.
This year we mark the 24th anniversary of our regained freedom and independence. However, we feel concern and anxiety over the events in Ukraine that claimed the lives of people in peaceful demonstrations.
In the past, we went through this too. I invite you to observe a minute of silence in honour of the Lithuanian freedom fighters, victims in the fight for independence, the late signatories to the 11 March Act of Independence of Lithuania, and the Maidan fighters killed in Ukraine....
Thank you.
During the 24 years of freedom we had numerous occasions to commemorate and pay our respects to the national heroes, note the progress of our independent state and highlight its most important developments. However, the fight for freedom and the freedom fighters need to be evoked ever more often so that we, our children and our grandchildren realise the high price we paid for independence and appreciate the huge value of freedom.
We can boast of many an achievement attained over the past several decades. We are now members of the EU and NATO. Our Presidency of the Council of the European Union has been a success. We held the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council this year.
Our troops in Afghanistan, Kosovo and other missions have proven time and again that their high professional competence puts them on a par with armies of powerful states.
Our numerous achievements are due to our unity and determination.
A new generation has grown up since the restoration of independence. This is a generation born in a free country. I am happy to see many talented young people actively contribute to public and social life in our country. As active and creative citizens, they will gradually take over the helm of the state.
I commend the economic achievements of our country. In individual branches of economy, Lithuanian companies are successful competitors of the EU and some countries worldwide. We take pride in the inventions of our researchers.
Our medical professionals have attained a surprising level of professionalism. It is truly impossible to name all the achievements in this brief address.
The data for the past and the present year show signs of economic recovery in Lithuania. This means that business and citizens can be more optimistic about the future and expect changes for the better.
However, we are concerned about the developments in our close neighbourhood. Ukraine, as an independent state, finds itself in need to fight for its right to freedom. The President and the Parliament of Russia are adopting decisions aimed at redrawing the map of Europe.
The propaganda channels of our neighbouring country are discrediting Lithuania.
The situation is tense not only in Ukraine. Will Putin stop after crossing the Ukrainian border..? This is a serious question to ponder on.
I hope that the events in Ukraine will make it clear for us that we should not look for artificial enemies, spread rumours or incite hatred within our country for personal interest or electoral campaigns.
I would like to believe that this merely turns out to be about empty ambitions, not intended to consciously break the state from within.
Vydūnas, a Lithuanian writer, once wrote that freedom is easily acknowledged by those whose actions are the expression of true humanity. They are kind, fair, patient and unwavering in everything they do.
Now, just like 24 years ago, we need to stay united in our spirit, beliefs, faith, and devotion.
FOR THE SAKE OF THIS LAND
Happy Independence Day!
Thank you.
