Speeches

Speech by H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the parliamentary sitting to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Reestablished Lithuanian Independence

Dear Fellow People of Lithuania,

Honorable and Distinguished Guests!

Today is a very special day. We are celebrating twenty years of reestablished independence - the anniversary of free Lithuania.

Independence was the ultimate goal that united the people, lighting the fire of Sąjūdis and kindling the hearts of all.

Let us remember the immense joy and hope that the Act of March 11 brought us. How happy, united and fearless we were! How strongly we wished to be free.

Despite our differences, we moved forward guided by the Sąjūdis and the call of freedom. We witnessed the beauty and dignity of men and women who pursue their dream. How strong and how together the nation is when it stands in confidence and self-respect.

We felt the breath of freedom, we believed in our victory and we trusted each other. Standing together, the people confronted the economic blockade and defied brutal violence on January 13.

Twenty years ago, reestablishing, protecting and strengthening Lithuanian independence was an imperative necessity that each of us took personally.

A grandmother's brooch donated to the Blockade Fund, an application to join the Volunteer National Defense Service, determination to build from the very foundation the most important state institutions - all was equally vital and significant.

It was the efforts of each and every active Lithuanian citizen that helped us stand up. We grew stronger and the world came to believe in us. The Lithuanian Tricolor was re-hoisted in the United Nations and took its rightful place at NATO and in the European Union.

The free word, the freedom of conscience and human dignity are the cornerstone values that we cherish and will continue to hold dear to our hearts.

The millennium old history of Lithuania brought us to March 11, bound together by freedom fights. Our nation has always aspired towards a free and mature state.

Having defended our independence, let us not lose the goals to unite us in free Lithuania: emotional well-being, respect for each other and unity in the face of hardship.

We are ourselves building the present and the future. Only our work and dedication will create the Lithuania that we wish to see and that we fought for.

Our state will be as we are.

I believe that the living spirit of the Sąjūdis movement will continue guiding us on new paths towards a homeland ruled by dignity and confidence - a homeland that is fulfilling to all people.

There will be difficulties and challenges ahead. But together we will overcome all adversity! The centuries-long history of the Lithuanian nation is our witness.

Lithuania's energy, enthusiasm and resolve of the past decades is a unique example of true and genuine revival.

Therefore, I say: Let us love Lithuania and let us believe in its future!

Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania