The open-air ceremony – entitled “15 Years Safe and Secure with NATO! “ - will be attended by President Dalia Grybauskaitė, members of parliament and government, foreign ambassadors and military attachés, founders of the Lithuanian armed forces, Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, youth and school student organizations, as well as the residents and guests of Vilnius.
According to the President, Lithuania has never been so safe and secure as today. After joining NATO 15 years ago, Lithuania became part of the world’s most powerful defense alliance with strong collective security guarantees. Today Lithuania not only has NATO’s unwavering support and solidarity, but it is also an active contributor to global peace efforts.
The commemorative ceremony will begin with the raising of Lithuanian and NATO flags and a military formation by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Guards of Honor.
Performing at the ceremonial event will be the Lithuanian Armed Forces Band, the National Wind Instrument Orchestra Trimitas, and the Wind Orchestra of the Ministry of the Interior. Guards of Honor will fire canon salutes to celebrate the 15th anniversary of NATO membership.
A special youth performance – “15 Years Safe and Secure with NATO!” – will be held in Daukantas Square. The Polish jet fighters deployed to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission will perform a flypast to honor the participants of the ceremony and the people of Lithuania.
The event will be broadcast live by the Lithuanian Radio and Television.
NATO’s enhanced forward presence military equipment and armaments will be on display in the nearby Universiteto Street and also in front of the Ministry of National Defense. The National Defense Volunteer Forces Big Band and singer Jurgis Brūzga will be also among the performers. All participants and guests will be offered Lithuanian army tea.
