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Speech by the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, at the Flag Raising Ceremony to Commemorate the Anniversary of the Defense of Freedom of Lithuania

President of the Republic of Lithuania

Januray 13, 2024

Dear Fellow People of Lithuania,

A few days ago, we warmly welcomed the President of fighting Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and today we are turning back to our painful past.

As we stand in this square, we remember how we stood up for our freedom 33 years ago. And how we defended it.

Since then, January 13th has been a day of deep pain and sadness for us. But it is also a day of triumph.

The morning that followed a night of darkness heralded that the independent State of Lithuania had not been defeated. The determination of the Lithuanian people was not broken. Hopes were not shattered.

The enemy expected to intimidate us. To take away our freedom and our hope. To smother our dreams with blood. But they failed.

And how could it have been otherwise? That night, that morning, and for many days that followed, we stood as strong as a fist - united in the knowledge that we are together, not alone. United in our profound gratitude to the defenders of freedom - those who halted the occupier's tanks with their bare hands. Those who stopped the aggressor with unwavering hearts. Risked their health, gave their lives.

By our example, we became a source of inspiration for other oppressed peoples. Immediately after the events of January 13th, thousands rallied in our support in Kyiv, and Ukrainian volunteers joined us here in Lithuania.

At that time, we were a bright beacon of freedom amidst the shadow of the collapsing colossus. Today, that beacon is Ukraine.

That is why I am proud to say that we, too, are stepping up to help where it is most needed. Living in freedom, we continue to relentlessly spread its message to the world.

And even though fate has destined us to have an aggressive neighbor who, in the words of President Zelensky, brings nothing but disaster, we did not, we do not, and we will never give in.

Time and again, we have proved that we are capable of making decisive, brave and right choices.

The fortitude of Bloody January is with us forever.

So let us forever honor the memory of the victims of January 13th. Let us remain vigilant. Let us cherish the freedom that is hard-won yet so easy to take for granted.

With courage and dignity, we will meet the challenges ahead. With faith in the victory of good and truth over lies and evil, we will overcome them, just as we did in 1991.

And let all see: as long as we stand together, we are invincible!

The President's Communication Group