Speech by President Gitanas Nausėda at the Seimas on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania’s independence

11 March 2025

Dear People of Lithuania,

Honorable Speaker of the Seimas, Prime Minister,

Esteemed Speakers of the Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Finland, and Ukraine, First Deputy Speaker of the Althing of Iceland,

Dear Signatories of the Act of Independence,

Excellencies Ambassadors,

Distinguished Members of the Seimas,

Thirty-five years ago, the Spring of our Freedom burst into life in this historic hall. The long-awaited rebirth of our nation, society and state unfolded in the bloom of reestablished Independence.

A deep yearning for freedom, rooted in Lithuania’s centuries-old history – the cherished pages of Aušra, the post-war resistance, the sacrifices of freedom fighters, and the unity displayed in the Baltic Way – left no room for doubt that day. Late on the evening of March 11, we felt unconditionally and truly free. As free as a nation can be when it turns its back on oppression and fear to once again heroically rise from the ashes. 

The determination of the signatories of the Act of Independence helped us break free from the stranglehold of a bloody empire. From that moment on, we have pursued our path with dignity, eager for the world to see us boldly reaching upward, deeply committed to building a free and independent Lithuanian state.

Today, as we measure the distance we have traveled together, we realize that the greatest source of our strength has always been the unity of our nation. Our enduring and passionate pursuit of a shared idea, common goal and mutual values. 

At the dawn of independence, we all felt called to defend the Lithuanian word, the freedom of our country and the dignity of its people. This helped us to withstand the ordeal of January 13, the constant provocations, the economic blockade, and the barbaric attacks on our border posts.

Now is not the time to relax. Standing at the crossroads of living history, we must unite once again. Shoulder to shoulder, supporting one another, we must weather the storms we face, invest in our security and civic resilience, and continue to support Ukraine in its fight in every way we can.

Therefore, as we embrace this March 11, let us be more determined, more dignified and more resolute than ever before. Breathing in the hope of spring, let us celebrate our Freedom together.

Most importantly, let us continue to shape our own history responsibly. Through concrete action, let us define who we truly are. Where we come from. And what we will never surrender.

Have a wonderful celebration!