"I congratulate all soldiers of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, servants of the National Defence System, cadets, volunteers, reserve soldiers, founders of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, partisans, riflemen, and the entire nation of Lithuania on the occasion of Lithuania's NATO accession," Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas says.
Lithuania's NATO membership implies that it is a part of a collective defence system which rests on allied solidarity, collective defence guarantees, and commitment to each other.
Today the Lithuanian Armed Forces are a part of over 2-million strong NATO forces standing ready to defence their country alongside the nation and allies.
According to the latest polls, roughly 81% of Lithuanian population approve or fully approve of Lithuanian NATO membership.
The commemorative events for NATO day will be held throughout units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces across Lithuania.
Another event marking the anniversary of Lithuania's NATO membership will take place on April 2 at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai. The fourth iteration of the most unique events in Lithuania, Runway Run 2016, is expected to be attended by over 3 thousand participants, while start of the race on the runway of the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai will be announced and awards given by the Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas.
