LRT EBU LIthuania Independence day
DOPESHEET
Lithuania celebrates its Independence with various events across the country and citizens saying they value freedom even more after war broke in eastern Ukraine.
February 16 is the day of Act of Independence which was signed by the Council of Lithuania in 1918.
Various events are held in Lithuanian cities, the most important are traditional flag raising ceremony of the Baltic States, the solemn Mass at the Arch Cathedral Basilica and a special commemoration near the House were the Act of Independence was signed.
The government also hands out state awards for Lithuanians and foreign citizens who had merits to Lithuania.
A second biggest Lithuanian city Kaunas which was temporal capital during Interwar period celebrated February 16 by reestablishing a symbolic statue of 'Soldier' in a War Museum tower.
The soldier was destroyed by Naci occupants, but now it stands again, and activists who rebuilt the statue say it is a strong sign that Lithuania is ready to defend its freedom whenever necessary.
Other signs of stronger commitment than usual to defend freedom were rotating US soldiers participating in commemoration and NATO Baltic police jets flying over capital Vilnius.
Lithuanians belonged to Russian Empire during the 19th century. Although they rebelled for several times, the first independence opportunity came when Russia was involved in World War I. Germany occupied western part of Russian empire, including Lithuania, and the Council of Lithuania had to maneuver carefully between demands of German authorities and desire for Independence.
The opportunity window appeared in 1918 when Germany was weakened by WWI. Independent Lithuania, although it would soon be battling the Wars of Independence, became a reality.
While the Act's original document has been lost, its legacy continues. The Act is the legal basis for the existence of modern Lithuania, both during the interwar period and since 1990.
SHOTLIST
Raising of Baltic flags, Lithuanian national anthem is playing as Lithuanian flag raises
President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite leaves Presidential palace and walks through soldiers
A shot of American soldiers participating in the commemoration
Soundbite (Lithuanian), DALIA GRYBAUSKAITE, President of Lithuania:
Our voice is not only listened to, it is heard, because of our unique experience. We know what is feels to loose your land (shots of public), home and relatives. It was tried to silence us, to take away our language, to split us. (back to Grybauskaite) However, our nation managed to raise again in a fight for freedom and unity, by standing on a rich history and culture.
A shot of NATO Baltic air police planes
Lithuanian soldiers marching followed by American soldiers.
Another group of Lithuanian soldiers
President Grybauskaite waving hand
Some shots from Presidential palace concert, a Lithuanian folk music played by Lithuanian music instruments
Shots of 'House of Signatures', a palace where Lithuanian independence was declared in 1918
Soundbite (Lithuanian), VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS, Lithuanian first head of state after the country broke away from Soviet Union in 1990:
At least House of Signatures is still standing, without being turned into some kind of casino or something. 97 years ago in this house it was decided that Lithuania is reborn, restated, Lithuanian state again must raise with its capital in Vilnius.
Soundbite (Lithuanian), voxpop, a young man with a flag:
Do you think it is difficult to come here with a flag in order to honor a state and look at the events? It is a nice fest, it is a pleasure for me to come here.
Soundbite (Lithuanian), voxpop, a woman and her baby:
A very big festival for all of us.
Baby repeats - a big festival.
Reporter asks why it is so big?
Baby says - Lithuania.
Shots of a historical tower in Kaunas war museum (famous during Interwar when Kaunas was temporal capital) showing a renewed statue of 'Soldier' which was destroyed by Naci occupants
Soundbite (Lithuanian), GIEDRIUS KUPREVICIUS, musician, one of organizers who restored Soldier statue:
The return of soldier is a natural process, because the empty niche showed that something is missing. But when you look at the current times, where so much tension is around, its seems to me that return of a soldier is very symbolical not only for Kaunas, but for all Lithuania. It is a sign that Lithuania has a soldier which will save our homeland, culture and people from all who might take bad actions towards us.
Students waving