“We still remember that day, the price of freedom and how we should stand for that. We value those who were standing by, who were helping Lithuania – those democratic forces from all countries, from Russia, from Northern countries, from Georgia, from Ukraine. We know the value of freedom and, therefore, are inviting everyone to stand by together with those who are fighting for freedom today,” said the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.
On 12 January, Linkevičius will meet with the freedom defenders, who work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania. On 13 January, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister will participate in a solemn commemoration of the Day of the Defenders of Freedom at the Seimas (Parliament) and the flag hoisting ceremony on the Independence Square.
On 13 January at 8 a.m., employees of Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry will participate in the annual civic campaign “Memory is Alive through Testimony”. Candles will be lit on the windowsills to honour the freedom defenders who died for Lithuania 26 years ago. Lithuania’s diplomatic representations abroad will traditionally join the campaign.
The exhibition of photos from the album “Lithuania 1988-1993” by Romualdas Požerskis also runs at Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry.
Lithuania’s diplomatic representations abroad will also mark the Day of the Defenders of Freedom. Lithuania’s representations in Brussels, Finland, Germany, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and New York, together with Lithuanian communities, are organizing a tribute run “Road of Life and Death”. Lithuanian diplomatic representations in Austria, Belarus, Finland, Hungary, Poland, and St. Petersburg will hold a special screening of documentaries, narrating the tragic events of January 13. The opening of exhibitions, also conferences and other events, dedicated to the Day of the Defenders of Freedom, will take place in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sejny.
