Dalia Grybauskaite congratulates Lithuania on State Day

  • 2015-07-06
  • From wire reports and George East, VILNIUS

Congratulating the Lithuanian nation on the State Day, on Simonas Daukantas Square outside the Presidential Palace in Vilnius on Monday July 6, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite called on the nation to rediscover Lithuania.

The national flag raising ceremony in the square was then followed by the traditional cannot salute as well as the flight of eight Norwegian and Italian fighter jets, now carrying out the NATO Baltic air policing mission, along with Czech fighters now in Lithuania for training.

The ceremony was observed by hundreds of Vilnius residents and guests.

"Today we see Lithuania as a nation of brave and unbreakable people. As a state with a bright and unfading crown,” said Grybauskaite. “A Lithuania that is proud of its culture and traditions. 

“[We have] Unique folk costumes that reflect the distinct identity of our ethnographic regions,” she continued in her speech, while wearing a traditional Lithuanian costume.

"The State Day is an excellent occasion to rediscover Lithuania. To get to know its history, ethnographic regions and endless cultural landscape even better.”

Lithuania marks the State Day on July 6, which marks the Coronation of King Mindaugas. 

King Mindaugas was crowned on July 6, 1253, which finalized the establishment of the State of Lithuania, and Lithuania was then recognized internationally.