Grybauskaite: Lithuania didn't break down, stood up strong

VILNIUS – Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite has extended congratulations to the nation of Day of Restoration of State, urging people to remain strong and unbreakable.

"I congratulate everyone on February 16 – the birthday of restored state! Lithuania walked an honorable path of 99 years to this day, withstood all tests, did not break down and stood up strong. This is the biggest achievement of our nation," Grybauskaite said on Thursday.

In her words, Feb. 16 nearly a century ago embodied the biggest dream of the people of Lithuania.

"The strife and duty to preserve and defend our statehood today link us with the determined romantics who set a goal at the beginning of last century to give Lithuania that one occupation after another took away from it and destroyed – statehood, identity, language, and self-esteem," said the president.

Lithuania marks the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania on Feb. 16. Ninety-nine years ago on Feb. 16, 1918, the Council of  Lithuania declared Lithuania an independent and democratic country with the capital Vilnius.