Press Releases

The President: we won the fight for freedom because we love Lithuania

Friday, January 13, Vilnius - On the occasion of the Day of Freedom Defenders, President Dalia Grybauskaitė awarded Commemorative Medals of 13th January to Lithuanians who in January-September 1991 actively defended Lithuania's freedom and independence, safeguarded peace and health of the people.

According to the President, January 13 is not only the day of memories of those who fought for independence, but also the day of gratitude of the country to the people who changed the history with their courageous love for free Lithuania.

"We must ensure that the doubts and not the truth about January 13 events pass into oblivion. Limitation should be applied only to cynicism, not to restoration of justice," the President underlined.

During the awards ceremony, Dalia Grybauskaitė thanked the defenders of freedom for their choice - freedom and justice - as well as for the courage and civil position they showed in the days decisive for Lithuania.

Today the President also attended a solemn sitting of the Seimas and the State Flag hoisting ceremony on the Independence Square to commemorate the Day of Freedom Defenders. In the afternoon, the Head of the State paid tribute to the victims of January 13 events in the Antakalnis Cemetery.

Press Service of the President