Speeches

Remarks by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Ceremony of Awarding Commemorative Medals of January 13

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is the twentieth year that we have been commemorating the Day of the Defenders of Freedom.

It was on this day that people from all over Lithuania created a human shield to protect our national parliament - the stronghold of our freedom. They stood in round-the-clock vigil around the parliament building and the TV tower, defending homeland at the cost of their lives. Lithuanian tricolors were flying together with the flags of freedom of Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other nations held high by their representatives.

Those fateful days and nights with blazing bonfires and resounding songs will remain forever etched in our mind and history. The heroism, resolve and unity exhibited by the people continue to inspire us as we work to overcome the challenges of today. They will remain with the young generation as a lesson of great historical value.

Today we honor those who gave their lives for homeland - those who were summoned by freedom twenty years ago.

Let the spirit of unity and freedom always bring us together. Let us assert our commitment to our ideals by building the future of Lithuania through every day work.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as I present the commemorative medals of January 13, my deepest gratitude goes to you for the courage and citizenship demonstrated in those days critical to Lithuania. I wish you every success in your work and personal life.