The Seimas has proclaimed 2011 the Year of Remembrance for Defence of Freedom, Great Losses, and Victims of the Holocaust in Lithuania. Next year we will commemorate the dates of historical significance for Lithuania – the 20th anniversary of the Day of the Defenders of Freedom (recalling the victims of the struggles for Freedom of January, May, July, and August), as well as the 70th anniversary of the beginning of mass deportations (on 14-18 June 1941) and the Holocaust of Lithuanian Jews, and the 20th anniversary of the international recognition of the re-established independent state of Lithuania and restoration of its diplomatic relations.
The 13th of January 1991 marks not only Lithuania’s victory against the Soviet aggression but also the victory of the entire Europe in the struggle for freedom of Nations. With a view to honouring this historical anniversary, which bears great significance to Lithuania and the whole world, the Seimas, in cooperation with public authorities, public and other organisations, is making preparations for numerous commemorations, meetings and other events. The majority of the events are aimed at preserving the historical memory; therefore, attempts will be made to collect the biggest possible amount of video material, memories, and testimonies.
Alongside with traditional events, the unveiling of memorial plaques in honour of the defence of Freedom are planned and meetings with Lithuanian public figures, medical doctors, photographers, camera operators, and journalist who recorded the evidence of the Soviet aggression and presented it to the entire world are foreseen. Special attention will be given to the defenders of the Parliament, killed victims and their families, as well as all those people who showed solidarity in defending the freedom of our Nation and in breaking down the empires.
The spirit of Freedom aspirations of 1991 is going to be revived at the Seimas building with the help of photographs, video and audio material. Authentic elements of the defence of the Parliament are going to be displayed in the corridors of the building. Traditional bonfires are going to be lit in the Independence Square, while people are going to gather like 20 years ago to recall the mood of the Independence Square in 1991, when one could hear the mixture of prayers, modern melodies, patriotic and protest chants, discussions held by the fire with a glass of hot tea, feel the kindness of the defenders and their determination, “They will not frighten us.”
The Office of the Seimas has been and is still being flooded with proposals from pupils, students, and youth organisations on the most impressive and meaningful way to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the defence of Freedom. A number of these initiatives are going to be implemented – the Seimas will be hosting events with young people as the main participants.
The events intended to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the defence of Freedom will stretch over a long period of time with some of them taking place already in November 2010. The events to mark the Day of the Defenders of Freedom begin on 8 January and continue until 11 February 2011, the day when Iceland recognised Lithuania’s restored independence. On 11 January, the day when the Printing House was seized, a round-table discussion for journalists Defence of Freedom by Word is going to be held at the Seimas. A solemn sitting of the Seimas will take place on the Day of the Defenders of Freedom on 13 January 2011.
The meeting and discussion of photographers and camera operators the Memory is Still Alive, for it Bears Testimony scheduled for 12 November 2010 was one of the first events to mark the occasion. Photographers and camera operators who recorded key and crucial events of the defence of Freedom in 1991 took part in the discussion. The meeting of the former commanders of the Parliament defenders’ squads from all around Lithuania was held in the Conference Hall of Building 3 on 13 November 2010.
Starting from November 2010, the Office of the Seimas offers thematic guided tours, which are to become a regular part of the guided tours of the Seimas. During the thematic guided tours, visitors will be able to meet military volunteers who stood in defence of the Parliament, visit the Memorial of January 13, and watch video material of the January events. For guided tours please register by telephone (8 5) 239 6202 or e-mail: [email protected].
Public Relations Unit, tel. (+370) 239 6202
Unit for History and Commemoration of Parliamentarianism, tel. (+370) 239 6119, 239 6320
