“Together with the leaders of other EU member states I extend my deepest condolences in your tragic loss of human lives to the pandemic. Every one of us must do our best to prevent the spread of virus. At this time of immense difficulty, I wish the victims’ families and loved ones as well as the people of Italy strength, fortitude and consolidation”, said the President emphasizing that only by standing in solidarity with other EU member states and by helping each other we can overcome this calamity.
At the initiative of the President, on the night of March 31, the Presidential Palace will be illuminated in colors of the Italian national flag. The Bell Tower in the Cathedral Square as well as the Monument of the Three Crosses will also be illuminated in Italian national colors. All the Lithuanian public institutions are invited to join the initiative; the Curia of the Vilnius Archdiocese, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vilnius City Municipality, and Ministry of Defense decided to support this initiative. In sign of solidarity, church bells will ring across Lithuania at noon, Italian time.
The Presidential Palace illuminated in Italian national colors
Italy declared March 31 as the National Day of Mourning to pay tribute to the victims of coronavirus. President Gitanas Nausėda together with the leaders of EU member states offered their condolences to President and all the people of Italy who are fighting against the spread of COVID-19 virus that has already claimed over 11,000 lives.
At the initiative of the President, the Presidential Palace was illuminated in colors of the Italian national flag with a phrase in Italian Siamo con voi! (We stand with you!), and trumpeter of the orchestra of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Darius Krukonis performed a song Con te partiro. The Bell Tower in the Cathedral Square as well as the Monument of the Three Crosses were also illuminated in Italian national colors. All the Lithuanian public institutions were invited to join the initiative; the Curia of the Vilnius Archdiocese, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vilnius City Municipality, and Ministry of Defense decided to support this initiative.
