On the morning of 13 January, the civic initiative “Light of Victory” began with a visit by Inga Ruginienė, Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, to Vilnius Sietuvos Pro-Gymnasium. There, candles of remembrance, unity, and victory were lit.
The first civics lesson dedicated to Freedom Defenders’ Day took place in the school assembly hall. The school community and guests took part in this lesson. They shared memories of the events of 1991 and how they felt at the time. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė spoke about her family history, her grandparents’ life in exile, and her grandfather’s wish to live to see Lithuania become independent. Emanuelis Zingeris, Chairman of the International Commission, spoke about the events of 1991 and his trip to Iceland. He wanted the Nordic countries to recognise Lithuania’s independence. Ronaldas Račinskas, Director of the International Commission, said he was happy that Lithuania was united in 1991 and hoped that the current young generation would also unite and resist evil. It is symbolic that, on Freedom Defenders’ Day, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Secretariat of the International Commission and Sietuvos Pro-Gymnasium in Vilnius to establish a Tolerance Education Center at this school, which focused on historical memory and civic education.
Photo credit: Laima Penek