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Saturday, February 16, Vilnius – President Valdas Adamkus together with Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Latvian President Valdis Zatlers and Polish President Lech Kaczyński attended a military parade and delivered congratulatory speeches.

In his address to the people, President Adamkus said: “Today we are celebrating the day of our national unity and togetherness, faith and confidence, and spiritual strength – the Anniversary of the Restoration of the Lithuanian State. We are celebrating a day on which ninety years ago the Council of Lithuania proclaimed to the world that Lithuania wanted to live in freedom and independence and that our nation was alive and resolved to restore statehood.”

“The documents of those times witness that, both in Lithuania and abroad, there were opponents to independence and statehood. However, the will expressed clearly and openly by twenty signatories lighted the fire of freedom which spread across the whole of Lithuania. It reached the hearts of the people and led them to fight for your freedom and ours.”

Mr. Adamkus underlined that this fire was kept alive in the hearts of many throughout the most difficult years of oppression and occupation. It sparked up in a dazzling flame of freedom lighting the way to an independent, democratic and civilly-aware Lithuania.

“This path requires responsibility and it is often difficult. But Lithuania has always had the wisdom and determination to overcome even the most complicated obstacles and rise through adversity to fight for liberty and ultimate values. Trust and confidence, openness and responsibility were the guiding principles of an independent state and free citizens on the winding road of history. These fundamental values continue to direct our steps today and I believe that they will guide us to the future of a creative and fearless Lithuania.”

President Adamkus called on the people of Lithuania to be the architects of their own Lithuania.

Addressing the people in Cathedral Square, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves said: “For centuries, Lithuania and Estonia have stood on the same threshold. Our sorrows have been similar, but more importantly - so too have been our victories. After all, together, we have torn down the iron curtain erected to keep us physically, morally and cultural cut off from our European home.”

He emphasized that Lithuania and Estonia, the Baltic countries in general, were strong allies: “We have helped and supported one another in good times and bad. Our causes are common, but so too our concerns. Currently, the Baltic countries form an energy island, cut off from our European neighbors.”

He welcomed the decision taken by the Lithuanian parliament and President Adamkus to proceed with the new nuclear power plant project, as well as with power bridges to Poland and Sweden, underlining that Estonia wanted to be a trusted partner of Lithuania in these projects.

President Valdis Zatlers of Latvia, speaking in Lithuanian, said that the people of Lithuania were very dear to the people of his country because they shared similar joys and concerns.

“This national holiday of Lithuania is very dear to the people of Latvia because our two nations are the only Balts remaining in the world. In Latvia, we have always welcomed Lithuania’s progress and achievements as our own,” Mr. Zatlers said. “Today we must also stand shoulder to shoulder, maintain direct contacts, support each other in dealing with problems, and celebrate together.”

President Zatlers promised that as president of Latvia he would do everything to provide more meeting venues and opportunities and promote cooperation not only between the governments of Lithuania and Latvia, but also between their people of culture, science and medicine – all those who seek to work together.

Polish President Lech Kaczyński also congratulated all on a very meaningful national holiday.

“Lithuania has been always determined to fight for its rights. Today, Lithuania defends its position in the European Union and NATO together with Poland,” Mr. Kaczynski said.

He pointed out that the Lithuanian nation regained independence after long and difficult years of occupation – which seemed impossible to be ever achieved. “The principle of Romanticists – to want means to be able – was translated into reality in Lithuania,” Mr. Kaczyński said.

Later in the evening, Valdas Adamkus together with the presidents of Estonia, Latvia and Poland attended a festive event to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Lithuanian Independence at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Press Service of the President