Adamkus wants happy family

  • 2002-01-10
  • TBT staff
VILNIUS - The Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus addressed the nation on Christmas Eve, wishing people a merry Christmas - the holiday of hope.

Remembering the Sept. 11 tragedy in the United States, he said, "This year, like never before, we have felt how fragile our world is. We have realized how artificial it is."

The president asked rhetorically if anything could be changed by a single person. "Yes, it can," he answered.

"The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world, so they say. Today we have to bring up our children, and take care of their future. We have to remember kind words and good deeds, because this is the basis of our common life, our common future.

"Let us feel like one big family. Historically, we are such a family. Let's assume responsibility for each other. Let's help and strengthen each other. Our common life will then be cozier and kinder, our motherland stronger and more just."