On March 11 Lithuanians in their country and abroad celebrated the restoration of Lithuanian Independence. Many people ask why there are two Independence days. The first, celebrated on February 16th, was also monumental, because on that day in 1918 Lithuania was re-established as a sovereign nation after centuries of existence as part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and then the Russian Empire. After World War II, Lithuania was occupied once again as one of the republics of the Soviet Union. The Freedom Movement which began in the late 1980‘s was the force behind the restoration of independence, led by Vytautas Landsbergis, and declared on March 11, 1990.
In Vilnius, flowers were laid at the monument dedicated to March 11 in Independence Square. A commemoration was held in Parliament (Seimas), with speeches by various dignitaries and the presentation of national awards. At noon the three Baltic flags were raised in the Square, followed by a military parade and a march to the Cathedral with Lithuanian and Ukrainian banners. Vilnius residents and guests were invited to an open house at the Parliament Buildings to see cultural programs, exhibitions, workshops for children, and short documentaries. Songs and memories were shared in the evening at a bonfire on the historic hill, Stalo kalnas. Throughout the day, public transportation was free. Similar celebrations were held in most Lithuanian towns and cities.
In his speech to the nation, President Gitanas Nausėda urged listeners to remember the wisdom and peace of the Sąjūdis freedom movement, and to continue work toward maintaining that hard-won freedom, strengthening the country and helping those who need support. Other dignitaries also reminded Lithuanians that the nation’s unified effort, every citizen’s courage and determination, were the key to achieving the historical success of March 11, 1990.
