On Feb. 16, 1918, the Lithuanian Council gathered in Vilnius and proclaimed the restoration of independent Lithuania with Vilnius its capital. By doing this, Lithuania proclaimed its right to its historical capital Vilnius, which was also claimed by Poland.
Vytautas Landsbergis, MP and head of state in 1990-1992, and Arturas Paulauskas, parliamentary chairman, appeared together on the balcony of the house at 26 Pilies Street where the restoration of independence was proclaimed in 1918, in front of a crowd of mostly middle-aged and elderly people who packed the surrounding narrow streets like sardines in a can.
Landsbergis proved that he hasn't lost his touch at electrifying crowds with patriotic speeches. He began by recalling the complicated situation in Europe in 1918 when the great powers had no sympathy for Lithuanian independence.
"Lithuania was restored without any ties or obligations to Russia, Poland or Germany, even though the German army was stationed here, Poland had no intention of recognizing Lithuania, and Russia was ruled by bolshevism, which later brought disaster to the entire world. This declaration cost many Lithuanians their lives."
In a show that delighted the crowd, he said that Russia still does not fully agree with Lithuanian independence. "For 10 or 12 years, it has waged psychological war against Lithuania." Landsbergis then asked the shifting crowd, "What would you, proud nation, answer if Russia said, 'Lithuanians, go back to a cage where Stalin's anthem sounds again?'" "No!" bellowed back the crowd.
Paulauskas said that the roots of today's Parliament are in the earlier declaration. "The declaration of Feb. 16 emphasized that Lithuania's government was to be elected by a democratically elected Parliament."
In 1918, the Lithuanian Council, consisting of 20 intellectuals of different political views, proclaimed democratic rule by a democratically elected government in the declaration of Feb. 16.
Somewhat confusingly, there are three important national holidays in Lithuania that celebrate independence. On July 6, 1253, Mindaugas was crowned king and Lithuania won equal political status with other European kingdoms. On March 11, 1990, Lithuania once again established its independence as it broke away from the crumbling Soviet empire. But Feb. 16 is the most important state holiday.
Later in the day, at the Vilnius Opera and Ballet Theater, state officials and foreign diplomats heard speeches from young and old, namely President Valdas Adamkus and a local high school student, Tadas Jaciauskas.
"In 1918, we re-established not only our statehood, but our European identity. I see a future for our country based on the free initiative of the people and a liberal atmosphere in society," Adamkus said. He called for more solidarity within the country and expressed his belief that Lithuania would become a prosperous state.
Jaciauskas said the attitude of young people in Lithuania to Feb. 16 is slightly different from the feelings of older people. "We know about the persecution of the Lithuanian language and culture only from textbooks. We are different from our parents. Our task is to build an economically strong Lithuania.
"Feb. 16 is more important to our parents and grandparents. Every nation has as much patriotism as is required at a specific time. They cherish the past. We are more concerned with the future," Jaciauskas said.
But that evening about 40,000 young people came together in Vingis Park, the largest park in the capital to enjoy what was ironically the biggest event of the day. Rock and pop stars sang the national anthem and quite a number of Lithuanian folk songs.
A magnificent firework display ended the day. Prime Minister Rolandas Paksas, who actually organized the concert, was there. Choras, vocalist with the popular group ZAS, told Baltijos TV, "We are proud of our country and are celebrating this day with joy. The 40,000 people here agree with me!"
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