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On 13 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius opened the exhibition “Let’s tell Lithuania’s history together” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania. The exhibition features objects that tell the story of the January 1991 events. The objects were preserved by the employees of the Foreign Ministry.

“The struggle of unarmed people against the Soviet military aggression in January 1991 has changed the course of history for our country and the entire region. This victory helped speed the collapse of the empire,” said Linkevičius.

The Minister highligthed that today we could be proud of the freedom that was defended by our people. We also can be proud of great achievements during the course of the last 25 years.

“Lithuania’s diplomatic service is one of those institutions that must be at the forefront of the strengthening of our statehood. This is a great responsibility and a great honour. Undoubtedly, through our daily meticulous work we shall continue to create the story of a mature Lithuania and to strengthen our freedom,” said Linkevičius.

Linkevičius thanked the employees of the Foreign Ministry – active defenders of Lithuania’s freedom - for exhibiting the objects that tell the story of the January 1991 events. “These are not only the memories, but an important story and we get a clearer understanding of its significance every year”, said the Minister.

In the morning, Linkevičius together with the employees of the Foreign Ministry participated in the annual civic campaign ‘Memory is Alive through Testimony’ – candles were lit on the window-sills in memory of those who died for Lithuania’s freedom 25 years ago. On 13 January, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister will participate in the solemn commemoration at the Seimas (Parliament) on the occasion of the Day of the Defenders of Freedom. He will also attend the flag hoisting ceremony on the Independence Square and a solemn mass at the Vilnius Cathedral Basilica.

On the eve, on 12 January, Linkevičius took part in the lighting of fires in remembrance of the victims near the TV tower, the building of the National Radio and Television of Lithuania, and on the Independence Square.

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