Following the national anthems of Lithuania and Poland, welcome addresses were delivered by Marshal of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship Gustaw Marek Brzezina, President of Poland Andrzej Duda, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki, and Prime Minister of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis.
The Head of the Lithuanian Government emphasized that the day marked a significant and glorious celebration for the history of both countries, because there, on the battlefield of Žalgiris, brave warriors fought for the fate of Lithuania and Poland 610 years ago. Victory was achieved because we were brave and united. Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas invited soldiers from other lands to fight enemies together with the soldiers of the Kingdom of Poland. It was the power of political wisdom and unity.
‘The Battle of Žalgiris, recorded in history textbooks, teaches the younger generation to know the feats of their ancestors and to recognize that there are no invincible enemies when Poland and Lithuania are together. Today, I can firmly testify that for us Žalgiris has been a Symbol of victory, courage, unity, togetherness, and resistance for many years. In various historical periods, Žalgiris has been and will remain a particularly important part of our national self-awareness and identity,’ said the Prime Minister.
According to the Prime Minister, there is no doubt that Žalgiris, which symbolizes our unity, remains relevant today as well. We live in the face of complex geopolitical challenges. External threats have not disappeared anywhere, and their range is even wider. The military threats have been complemented by other challenges, such as information warfare, cyber threats, and, ultimately, the challenges posed by the pandemic, but the Prime Minister believes that we will all overcome them together.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, let me name another symbol that is important to us today. A stone weighing twelve tons was brought from Lithuania to the site of the Battle of Žalgiris. It is a symbol of the strength, perseverance, resilience, and fortitude of our States. I sincerely thank the Lithuanian initiators of the creation of the monument for this meaningful initiative, and I thank Poland for the benevolent cooperation. Let us continue be strong and united. Let Vytis carved in stone lead us to new achievements forever,’ emphasized Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis.