Moving away from tearful commemorations
Giedrius Kujelis
I often asked this question on my social networks. I think the younger generation intuitively moves away from tearful commemorations and prefers to enjoy freedom and celebrate it. It is strange how a nation that once valued freedom the most cannot appreciate it now. The phrase that was written during the uprisings and became a flyer – “A Lithuanian is one who loves freedom and respects the Statute of Lithuania” – clearly indicates who we were, but are we? When you look at the geopolitical context of today, with a war for freedom right around the corner, you can’t help but think that we got away from that cursed empire very miraculously. Freedom must be enjoyed, valued, protected and used.
Respond to that joy
Lina Meilutė-Datkūnienė
It should be mentioned while celebrating. February 16th and March 11th should be celebrated, they are holidays, and January 13th is celebrated because it is a struggle, a commemoration of our struggle, a tribute to those who died.
In fact, I see trends in recent years that commemorations are more like holidays, people are getting more festive, and that makes me happy. Those people who won our freedom, made great efforts to sign the Act of Independence and its restoration were happy at that time. We should respond to their joy back then. Why should we be sad? When we celebrate, we remember those people who are no more, their efforts, their great struggle.
Should be a real celebration
Antanas Taparauskas
Our Independence Day should be celebrated in a similar way to Independence Day in the US: with a great festive spirit, dressing up, with many events, concerts, fireworks. After all, at that time our signatories were striving for Lithuania to free itself from shackles, so that we would not be afraid to go out into the streets and celebrate without hiding. We discreetly remember the terrible events of January 13th, February 16th, we remember the dead and the difficult path to independence.
To celebrate, of course
Martyna Povilavičiūtė
Of course, to celebrate – after all, March 11th is the Independence Day of our country, it is the day when we once again announced to the whole world that we are a free and independent country! We also have to celebrate for the heroes of our nation who always believed in our freedom. If they had all received the day of freedom, their hearts would be happy, and there is no need to be sad, because we must realize the achievements of Lithuania, the contribution of all of us to it – our Lithuania.
For more detailed comments, read Thursday’s “Native…”