On February 16, Lithuania commemorated State Restoration Day, marking the 105th anniversary of the independence act, signed on February 16, 1918, restoring the Lithuanian state. In Vilnius, some of the key events were a procession of school students from the Gediminas monument in Cathedral Square to the Rasai cemetery, where signatories of the independence act are buried. At midday, the flags of the three Baltic states were raised at Simonas Daukantas Square.
In the afternoon, a poetry recital was held beside an art installation at the Jonas Basanivičius monument, as part of the Vilnius Talking Sculptures project. The official commemoration was held at 2 pm at the House of Signatories of Lithuanian Independence, followed by a ceremony at 3 pm in front of a monument dedicated to Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas, a signatory of the partisans’ declaration of independence of February 16, 1949. At 6 pm, bonfires were lit along Gediminas Avenue, followed by performances by various music groups. The day’s program in Vilnius concluded with a concert at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society.
Similar events took place in other Lithuanian towns and cities, as well as communities in the diaspora.
In his address to the people of Lithuania, President Gitanas Nausėda noted the passing – on that same day – of a Lithuanian hero: “It is symbolic that today we have lost one of the most prominent freedom fighters of Lithuania, Antanas Terleckas. A fearless man who never accepted the reality imposed by the Soviet occupation and staunchly defended the legacy of an independent state.” He noted that: “Over the past year, we have come to realize how fragile the hope for peaceful coexistence in in our region is and how much disaster can be brought about by unchecked imperial ambitions. … May each February 16th serve as the most beautiful symbol to remind us how much time, effort and sacrifice it took to win independence. The greatest gift of our ancestors is the right and the duty to create the Lithuania that we want, not someone outside our borders. I am confident that we will honorably pass on this sacred right to our children and grandchildren”.
Vilnius Archbishop Gintaras Grušas also invited Lithuanians celebrating their country’s freedom to remember its value, and to help embattled Ukraine with prayers and good deeds.
In Canada, Lithuanians in various communities also commemorate the event, and enjoy the colours of the flag lighting Niagara Falls for 15 minutes at 10 pm. (See https://fb.me/e/2CVM9XZkv. Lithuanian flags were raised at Ottawa City Hall, Toronto City Hall and in other Canadian cities. Masses were held at Lithuanian parishes, with special events at Lithuanian schools, and in various organizations.
