Freedom fighters of January 13 will be honored in Šiauliai

In 2024 Freedom Defenders Day will be celebrated in Šiauliai on Friday, January 12. On that day, the morning will start with the general civic initiative "Light of Freedom". In the evening, St. Mass for the fallen defenders of freedom, and at 6 p.m. in the square near Šiauliai city municipality, a festive event of Defenders of Freedom Day will be held and commemorative bonfires will be lit. During the event, patriotic songs will be played, residents and guests of the city will be invited to remember and honor 1991. fighters for the country's freedom who died on January 13.
The organizer - Šiauliai City Municipality, Šiauliai Cultural Center. Events are free.

January 13 is a significant date in the history of Lithuania, marking the freedom won by brave citizens of the country in 1991. On that day, the military forces of the Soviet Union tried to seize the most important institutions of the capital, including the Vilnius TV tower. The helpless Lithuanian civilians resisted this intervention with their bodies. Unfortunately, death claimed the lives of 14 Lithuanian citizens, many people were injured. In order to remember the hard-won freedom and its fallen defenders, this day is marked by an abundance of events. They will start in Šiauliai on January 12.

"Today we remember those who stood firm for their country, who cared about its freedom and independence. It is a day when we honor the people who bravely fought for what has become the foundation of our country today. Their self-sacrifice and courage are an example for us, a precept to never give up our values", says Daina Kinčinaitienė, Head of the Culture Department of the Šiauliai City Municipality Administration.

The morning of January 12 will begin with the civic initiative "Light of Freedom". 8 o'clock Schools, institutions and various organizations of the city of Šiauliai are invited to light memorial candles in their windows in honor of the fighters.

In the evening, at 5 p.m., in the Šiauliai Cathedral of the St. Apostles Peter and Paul will be held St. Mass for the dead on the fateful night of January 13. After St. At Mass, at 6 p.m., a festive Defenders of Freedom Day event will be held in the square near the Šiauliai City Municipality.

"The events of January 13 are not only a historical past, they are a reflection of the spirit of the nation, which makes our community stronger today. This day is a reminder that we, as a community, can overcome challenges and fight for freedom despite all the adversities," says the director of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, Deimantė Bačiulė.

The evening will begin with a solemn spectacle, during which the students of Šiauliai's Stasys Šalkauskis Gymnasium, while singing to the Chamber Choir of the Šiauliai Cultural Center "Atžalynas" (artistic director M. Žalalis), will make the word "Freedom" out of candles. Traditionally, the anthem of the Republic of Lithuania will be sung, commemorative bonfires will be lit, the 6th national team of the KASP Resurrection District will honor the fallen freedom fighters. At the end of the evening, the performer Ieva Narkutė will give a festive concert.

During the event, the 6th national team of KASP Resurrection District will serve hot tea to the participants of the event. The organizers point out that residents are encouraged to bring their own cups and thus contribute to sustainability and environmental protection.

On the occasion of January 13, more beautiful events, various educational activities, and exhibitions will be organized. The entire program of events can be found on the websites of Šiauliai Cultural Center (www.siauliukc.lt) or Šiauliai City Municipality (www.siauliai.lt).

The information is provided by Asta Vaitkienė, Head of the Event Organization Department of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, mobile. +370 671 42 901, e-mail asta.vaitkiene@siauliukc.lt.

Photo by Roland Parafinavičius.