I extend my greetings to you on February 16 – a day of great national joy and pride.
The decision made by the Council of Lithuania 104 years ago to restore the State of Lithuania was an extraordinary event – long awaited and much anticipated. Modern state had to be envisioned first, then proclaimed, converted into flesh, strengthened, and defended. The ambitious idea developed by several individuals had to be transformed into a comfortable and safe home for all the people of Lithuania. It took both a lot of time and joint effort.
The glowing fire, kindled in the pages of Aušra and Varpas, was kept alive for many years by the most dedicated patriots. Initially, the deeply felt love for Homeland warmed up the hearts of just a few before erupting into a powerful force of volunteer soldiers and inspiring architects of Lithuania.
The February 16 Act of Independence not only reflected the awakening unity of the nation, but also created it. It was not absolute or innate for either the signatories or citizens. National unity gradually emerged as a union of the opposites, constantly bolstered by discussions, debates and compromises of enlightened Lithuanians.
To this day, we cherish and celebrate not the difficult, sometimes dramatic journey to Independence, but its result – restored and secured national statehood.
The political forces of that time found common ground, even though they had different views on the challenges facing the restored state.
This consensus and unity – not received as a gift or imposed from above, but hard transacted, achieved and defended – is the most beautiful lesson of February 16.
Today’s celebration is a fusion of our energy, feelings and love, making us all responsible. No one has the right to own it or share it out.
I admit, it is not easy for Lithuania today. We would find thousands of reasons, both internal and external. For me, February 16 is not just a snapshot of today, but also an opportunity to look to the future. The bright vision of Homeland inspired the founding fathers a century ago, and I know that it lives on in the heart of every Lithuanian.
This vision of Lithuania is at the very roots of our unity, it is the common denominator of our efforts.
But unity does not come by itself. It cannot be obtained or imposed by decree. We need to stand ready. We need to learn not just to listen, but also to hear. To reach out to someone you disagree with. To see the meaning and the power of what binds us today and will bind us tomorrow.
So today, in this historic square, I call on each and every to put aside our grievances, anger and doubt. We still have the strength to create a Lithuania of peaceful agreement, not of confrontation. We still have the capacity to build solutions on cooperation, not on imposed will.
The day has come when we can no longer covertly poison each other. Future generations will not understand this and will certainly not forgive it. So let us shake it all off and move forward. After all, we have only one State and its name is Lithuania!
