Speeches

Remarks by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the Ceremony of Presentation of State Decorations

Distinguished Participants and Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have gathered on this important day in our national calendar to honor the deeds and accomplishments that forever embody the spirit of freedom and liberty, all that unites us on the road of independence. As we remember the signatories, volunteers, partisans, deportees, and resistance fighters who sacrificed their lives to restore, assert and advance independence, we pledge to continue their work guided by the values and ideals they cherished.

Today we honor those noble men and women of our time who spare no effort, talent and endeavor to make the State stronger and give more meaning to freedom. Their achievements demonstrate that the concepts of liberty and statehood are not unchanging and that each day brings new challenges and opens new perspectives on the path of national independence.

Your daily commitment and dedication bring to the fore genuine citizenship, resolve, dignity, devotion, responsibility, and the courage to change ourselves and the State.

Your efforts and dedicated work, your moral values and service to the people witness the true spirit of humanity and citizenship. Your creative endeavors present Lithuania to the world as a country of dynamic culture, open to innovation.

You reveal most vividly our nation's potential to work, create and believe in tomorrow. Your commitment proves that it is not only in moments of national difficulty and hardship that our people demonstrate their best qualities and civic engagement.

We are proud of you and your significant contribution to building the future of Lithuania.

I sincerely thank you for the meaning and hope that your work and aspirations bring to us all.