Freedom bonfires gathered the people of Šiauliai to honor the heroes of January 13th
The organizer is Šiauliai City Municipality, Šiauliai Cultural Center.
The event dedicated to the Day of Defenders of Freedom began in Šiauliai on St. Mass at St. in the Cathedral of the Apostles Peter and Paul. After remembering the compatriots who sacrificed their lives for freedom, the people of Šiauliai were invited to continue the commemoration in Resurrection Square, where the gathered together with the Lithuanian folklore group "Ugniavijas" sang the National Anthem.
During the event, fourteen heroes who fought for the freedom of all of us on the fateful night were remembered, and their names and surnames were announced. After each hero's name was pronounced by the host of the event, the soldiers of the 6th national team of the KASP Resurrection District honored the fallen by ringing a bell, and the honoring ceremony ended with a minute of silence.
History teacher and scout Sergej Staponkus spoke about the night that changed the history of the country more than three decades ago. "The very people who gathered on January 13 and you are here are examples of citizenship. Not only do you come by yourself, but you also bring your little ones. And what do our enemies fear most? They fear not only our freedom, not only our friends, but they fear our unity, because only by being united, we can defeat our enemy with songs and prayers. Just like we did in the January events. I wish for unity to bloom, for Lithuania and Šiauliai to shine," he said.
On the evening of January 12, the historical photo exhibition "To freedom, Lithuania!" prepared by the Šiauliai Cultural Center was presented. The images in the photographs reflect Šiauliai, the people of Šiauliai, whose determination and unity led to independence, and the captured moments of the historical road to freedom prove once again that we are a united nation. The exhibition will be on display at Resurrection Square until March 11.
The commemoration was continued by the Lithuanian folklore group "Ugniavijas", which draws inspiration from the most archaic folk melodies. Rich male voices and the sound of ancient instruments took the gathered to memories in which Lithuania played the most important role.
Throughout the event, commemorative bonfires burned in Resurrection Square, which more than thirty years ago united compatriots in the global mission of protecting the country's most important transportation facilities and became signs of resistance. Bringing people together for a common struggle, bonfires not only warmed those on duty on cold winter nights, but also symbolized the living spirit of freedom.
During the commemoration, the border guards of the Šiauliai border checkpoint served tea and porridge to the frozen VSATs at the Pagėgii border checkpoint of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. The official part of the event was translated into sign language.
On January 13, more events will be organized in Šiauliai to give meaning to Defenders of Freedom Day. 8 o'clock in the morning, city institutions, organizations and all residents of Šiauliai are encouraged to light memorial candles in their windows, thus joining the civil action "Light of Victory" organized throughout Lithuania, dedicated to honoring the fallen. 4-8 p.m. Memorial bonfires will be lit in Resurrection Square. The entire program of events can be found on the websites of Šiauliai City Municipality (www.siauliai.lt) and Šiauliai Cultural Center (www.siauliukc.lt).
Gintarė Daknytė photo.
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.
Atnaujinta: 2025-01-21 09:05