Lithuania independence day
Poland's President Lech Kaczynski visits Lithuania to celebrate Independence day.
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Discover Vilnius - vibrant capital of Lithuania! Artistic districts, trendy cafes and bars, various art galleries and much more. Come and see yourself how inspiring the Lithuanian capital is!
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Trendy bars and cafes in the Old Town
Where the Neris and Vilnele rivers meet in southeastern Lithuania lies the capital city of Vilnius. Founded as the country’s principle city in 1323, Vilnius has also served as the centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Located some 300 km to the east of the Baltic seashore, the city has no true port, making it, like Moscow, a capital deep inland. A fair sized city, Vilnius boasts a population of 550,000 inhabitants and, with nearly 70 percent of the city made up of leafy parks, it is one of Europe’s greenest cities. Hop on one of airBaltic's regular flights to Vilnius International Airport to start a great holiday.
Languages
Labas! (Hello!) Lithuanian, whose only close relative is Latvian, is the official language of Vilnius. Russian is widely spoken and understood, although younger generations will be up to speed with English. A city-break in Vilnius does not require learning either Lithuanian or Russian, but a few phrases may come in handy, especially when lifting a glass to say cheers to your host. Either Oplia or I sveikata will do, as long as there is good eye contact.
See and Do
The old town is the most magnificent part of Vilnius, with one of Europe’s largest groupings of historic buildings. Baroque architecture prevails with a few outstanding pieces in other styles, including the Gothic St. Anne’s Church, said to have been even the envy of Napolean, who sought to pocket the tiny church on his return to France. It is simply stunning, no matter how many times it’s seen. Archcathedral Basilica, first a wooden church constructed in 1251 and then rebuilt several times over the centuries is another strong piece of the city’s architecture, complete with some spooky catacombs beneath for those daring enough to venture in. Otherwise, the faint of heart can enjoy a photo history of the city inside the upper part of the church.
Here is where the Lithuanian magic begins. Outside in the square, find the Stebuklas (meaning Miracle) tile, make a wish and spin round three times to have your desire granted. This little stone marks the Vilnius end point for the human chain or Baltic Way connecting the three Baltic capitals during a protest a few years before the fall of the Soviet Union.
Climb up to Gediminas Castle from Cathedral Square to see this beautiful red brick castle built by the Dukesof Lithuania in the 14th century. Turn and look out for some extraordinary views of the city. The city has several museums of note, including the Lithuanian Art Museum, with collections of local art and some international pieces and the House of the Signatories where the Act of Independence of Lithuania was signed in 1918.
For nightlife, get out to the Old Town where many hotel bars, clubs and trendy cafes await, along with the locals, who know how to create a great time. If possible, treat yourself to a little Krupnika, traditional Lithuanian honey liquor, to get into the full mood and style of Vilnius.
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Fly to Vilnus
VILNIUS. Lithuania. BEST PLACES TO VISIT. FULL ROUTE WITH DISCRIPRTION.
Where to go in Vilnius? BEST PLACES TO VISIT.
1-day route for you.
Details of route:
1. Rail statio. Geležinkelio g. 16
2. Keule Ruke DICTATORS WALL. Pylimo g. 66
3. Hales turgus THE OLDEST MARKET. Pylimo g. 58
4. VILNIUS OLD GATES. Aušros Vartų g. 14
5. THE BASTION. Subačiaus g. 18
6. TOWN HALL SQUARE. Rotušės a.
7. GHETTO ENTRANCE. Rotušės a. 19
8. PILIES STREET. Pilies g. 23
9. SIGNATORIES HOUSE. Pilies g. 26
10. CHAPEL Šv. Jono g. 12
11. ARCADE COURYARD. Universiteto g. 4
12. VILNIUS UNIVERSITY. Universiteto g. 3
13. THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT. S. Daukanto a. 3.
14. CATHEDRAL SQUARE. Šventaragio g. 1
15. THE PALACE OF THE GRAND DUKES. Katedros a. 4
16. GEDIMINAS TOWER. Arsenalo g. 5
17. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF LITHUANIA. Arsenalo g. 1
18. GEDIMINAS AVENUE.
19. DRAMA THEATRE. Gedimino pr. 4
20. MONEY MUSEUM. Gedimino pr. 8
21. MUSEUM OF GENOCIDE. Gedimino pr. 40
22. LUKISKES SQUARE. Gedimino pr. 40
23. NATIONAL LIBRARY OF LITHUANIA. Gedimino pr. 51
24. SEIMAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA. Gedimino pr. 53
25. LUKISKES PRISON. Lukiškių skg. 6
26. BERNARDIN PARK. Maironio g. 2
27. UZUPIS DISTRICT. Uzupio g. 14
28. NARROWEST STREET. Savičiaus g. 10
29. BIG GHETTO QUARTER. Vokiečių g. 18
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Justinas Staugaitis
Justinas Staugaitis was a Lithuanian Roman Catholic bishop, politician, educator, and author. He one of the twenty signatories to the Act of Independence of Lithuania.
Staugaitis graduated from the Sejny Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1890. At that time, the use of the written Lithuanian language was prohibited, and his cousin Antanas Saugaitis participated in the underground movements that smuggled in such books and periodicals. He then served as a curate in a number of parishes in Lithuania and Poland.
In Marijampolė, he founded an educational society, Žiburys, and was instrumental in founding several schools, an old age home, and an orphanage. From 1909 to 1912 he served on the editorial staff of the periodical Vadovas. At the Vilnius Conference in 1917, he was elected to the Council of Lithuania, and signed the Act of Independence in 1918.
As a member of the Christian Democratic Party, he was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 1920, serving alternately as speaker or deputy speaker. In 1926 Staugaitis was consecrated Bishop of Telšiai, a newly formed diocese in northwestern Lithuania that had been part of the Samogitian diocese. He established a theological seminary in Telšiai and contributed numerous articles to periodicals, as well as writing several books. These included a history of the church, a history of the Lithuanian State Council, and a novel depicting the life of a loyal priest.
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EBU Lithuania National Day 2017
Pilną laidos vaizdo įrašą rasite apsilankę storame internete:
Modern Lithuania marked its 99th birthday on Thursday while one of the richest businessman promised 1 million Euros for those who can find an original Act of Independence which was lost in the beginning of Soviet occupation.
‘We cannot take it for granted’, said one of participants who commemorated 99th anniversary of Independence by marching to House of Signatories where Council of Lithuania declared Independence in the end of First World War.
It had to maneuver carefully between demands of German authorities that occupied western part of Russian empire which ruled Lithuanian territory since the end of 18th century.
The original act was lost in 1940 when Soviets occupied Lithuania.
‘They interrupted our independence, but Lithuania stayed Lithuania,’ said Monika Gavenaite who was among those awarded by the President with a state award for her merits during resistance.
The annual ceremony is part of a routine commemoration events, but this year one of the richest Lithuanian businessman stand out by promising 1 million Euros for those who can find an original Act of Independence.
‘We want to meet centenary by providing a commercial, material stimulus in order to motivate society, maybe it settled in some private collections, maybe in some archives, and there are no motivation to look for it’, said Darius Mockus, President of MG Baltic concern.
If the Act will be found, Mockus promised to present it to the State as a gift. The hunt for the Act will last until February 16th in 2018 when Lithuania will mark 100 years since the Independence.
Among other popular commemorative events were usual ceremony of raising the flags of all three Baltic States and stretching a special long flag around Gediminas Castle tower. 16 symbolic bonfires will be lit on central Gediminas Avenue in the evening.
People walking towards House of Signatories where Independence was proclaimed
Sound bite (Lithuanian), vox pop, man: It shows that in our hearts we have self-confidence and courage quite a lot.
Sound bite (Lithuanian), vox pop, woman: Not so many time has passed and still everything could happen, so we need to commemorate it as we cannot take it for granted.
Sound bite (Lithuanian), vox pop, man: The nation is uniting as there are more threats. It unites people.
House of Signatories where Independence was proclaimed
Sound bite (Lithuanian) DALIA GRYBAUSKAITE, President of Lithuania: We can learn from our February 16. Back then and now new lines were drawn in the world. But back then Lithuania was like a sprout in a spring, just erupted after the ice of occupation. Contemporary Lithuania is almost a centenary oak, we are all are proud of it.
Annual state award ceremony in Presidential palace
Sound bite (Lithuanian), MONIKA GAVENAITE, member or resistance during Soviet occupation awarded with State award: Soviets were not ours, they interrupted our independence, but Lithuania stayed Lithuania.
Copy of Act Independence during evening talk show yesterday when 1 million prize was announced
Sound bite (Lithuanian), DARIUS MOCKUS, President of MG Baltic concern: We want to meet centenary by providing a commercial, material stimulus in order to motivate society, maybe it settled in some private collections, maybe in some archives, and there are no motivation to look for it. We want to stimulate this process and make it open for all possible opportunities.
Raising of Baltic flags near Presidential palace
LRT © 2017
Vasario 16 Vilnius 2015.February 16 - Independence Day of Lithuania Vilnius 2015
Aciu uz daina grupej Biplan! :)
Lithuanian National Independence Day celebration 2012
The Lithuania celebrates its act of independence of the 16 February 1918
LRT EBU LIthuania Independence day
DOPESHEET
Lithuania celebrates its Independence with various events across the country and citizens saying they value freedom even more after war broke in eastern Ukraine.
February 16 is the day of Act of Independence which was signed by the Council of Lithuania in 1918.
Various events are held in Lithuanian cities, the most important are traditional flag raising ceremony of the Baltic States, the solemn Mass at the Arch Cathedral Basilica and a special commemoration near the House were the Act of Independence was signed.
The government also hands out state awards for Lithuanians and foreign citizens who had merits to Lithuania.
A second biggest Lithuanian city Kaunas which was temporal capital during Interwar period celebrated February 16 by reestablishing a symbolic statue of 'Soldier' in a War Museum tower.
The soldier was destroyed by Naci occupants, but now it stands again, and activists who rebuilt the statue say it is a strong sign that Lithuania is ready to defend its freedom whenever necessary.
Other signs of stronger commitment than usual to defend freedom were rotating US soldiers participating in commemoration and NATO Baltic police jets flying over capital Vilnius.
Lithuanians belonged to Russian Empire during the 19th century. Although they rebelled for several times, the first independence opportunity came when Russia was involved in World War I. Germany occupied western part of Russian empire, including Lithuania, and the Council of Lithuania had to maneuver carefully between demands of German authorities and desire for Independence.
The opportunity window appeared in 1918 when Germany was weakened by WWI. Independent Lithuania, although it would soon be battling the Wars of Independence, became a reality.
While the Act's original document has been lost, its legacy continues. The Act is the legal basis for the existence of modern Lithuania, both during the interwar period and since 1990.
SHOTLIST
Raising of Baltic flags, Lithuanian national anthem is playing as Lithuanian flag raises
President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite leaves Presidential palace and walks through soldiers
A shot of American soldiers participating in the commemoration
Soundbite (Lithuanian), DALIA GRYBAUSKAITE, President of Lithuania:
Our voice is not only listened to, it is heard, because of our unique experience. We know what is feels to loose your land (shots of public), home and relatives. It was tried to silence us, to take away our language, to split us. (back to Grybauskaite) However, our nation managed to raise again in a fight for freedom and unity, by standing on a rich history and culture.
A shot of NATO Baltic air police planes
Lithuanian soldiers marching followed by American soldiers.
Another group of Lithuanian soldiers
President Grybauskaite waving hand
Some shots from Presidential palace concert, a Lithuanian folk music played by Lithuanian music instruments
Shots of 'House of Signatures', a palace where Lithuanian independence was declared in 1918
Soundbite (Lithuanian), VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS, Lithuanian first head of state after the country broke away from Soviet Union in 1990:
At least House of Signatures is still standing, without being turned into some kind of casino or something. 97 years ago in this house it was decided that Lithuania is reborn, restated, Lithuanian state again must raise with its capital in Vilnius.
Soundbite (Lithuanian), voxpop, a young man with a flag:
Do you think it is difficult to come here with a flag in order to honor a state and look at the events? It is a nice fest, it is a pleasure for me to come here.
Soundbite (Lithuanian), voxpop, a woman and her baby:
A very big festival for all of us.
Baby repeats - a big festival.
Reporter asks why it is so big?
Baby says - Lithuania.
Shots of a historical tower in Kaunas war museum (famous during Interwar when Kaunas was temporal capital) showing a renewed statue of 'Soldier' which was destroyed by Naci occupants
Soundbite (Lithuanian), GIEDRIUS KUPREVICIUS, musician, one of organizers who restored Soldier statue:
The return of soldier is a natural process, because the empty niche showed that something is missing. But when you look at the current times, where so much tension is around, its seems to me that return of a soldier is very symbolical not only for Kaunas, but for all Lithuania. It is a sign that Lithuania has a soldier which will save our homeland, culture and people from all who might take bad actions towards us.
Students waving
LRT EBU Lithuania February 16
DOPESHEET
Lithuania marks state restoration day with commemorative events, concerts, and bonfire celebrations.
February 16 is the day of Act of Independence which was signed by the Council of Lithuania in 1918.
A centerpiece of commemoration as usual was the raising of the flags of all three Baltic States at midday outside the Presidential Palace in capital Vilnius. Moreover, 16 symbolic bonfires are lit on central Gediminas Avenue. In the evening, a concert is held in the Cathedral Square.
Among other unusual events this year was the special flag that was stretched around Gediminas castle towe. This flag is the longest Lithuanian flag reaching 1 kilometer an wishing unity.
As usually on this day president Dalia Grybauskaite has presented state awards to several dozen people as well as Lithuanian National Culture and Art Awards.
Lithuanians belonged to Russian Empire during the 19th century. Although they rebelled for several times, the first independence opportunity came when Russia was involved in World War I. Germany occupied western part of Russian empire, including Lithuania, and the Council of Lithuania had to maneuver carefully between demands of German authorities and desire for Independence.
The opportunity window appeared in 1918 when Germany was weakened by WWI. Independent Lithuania, although it would soon be battling the Wars of Independence, became a reality.
While the Act's original document has been lost, its legacy continues. The Act is the legal basis for the existence of modern Lithuania, both during the interwar period and since 1990.
SHOTLIST
Vs of a flag around Gediminas castle
Sound bite (Lithuanian), student:
I wish unity, happy celebrations and Entrepreneurism especially for young students.
Sound bite (Lithuanian), student:
I would like to wish unity for all of us and especially self help.
Vs from raising Baltic flags near Presidential palace
Sound bite (Lithuanian), DALIA GRYBAUSKAITE, President of Lithuania:
We know that if Lithuania has to defend itself again we will never be left alone as we were during fatal moments of our history.
Vs from state awards ceremony
Sound bite (Lithuanian), ASTA DICPETRIENE, awarded for her activity as a chairwoman of NGO Save the Children:
I would like honestly to share this medal with thousands of Lithuanian citizens who participate in our activity as volunteers or partners, with all those to contribute to our organization activity in order to help children so that they could be more happy and safe.
Vs of people marching towards House of the Signatories (a house where Council of Lithuania has declared Independence in 1918)
9 19 2017 un speech by Lithuania President Dalia Grybauskaitė
Lithuania became a member of the United Nations on 18 September 1991, and is a signatory to a number of its organizations and other international agreements. It is also a member of the European Union, the Council of Europe, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as NATO and its adjunct North Atlantic Coordinating Council. Lithuania gained membership in the World Trade Organization on 31 May 2001, and currently seeks membership in the OECD and other Western organizations.
Lithuania has established diplomatic relations with 149 countries.
In 2011, Lithuania hosted the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Ministerial Council Meeting. During the second half of 2013, Lithuania assumed the role of the presidency of the European Union.
The stamp is dedicated to Lithuania's presidency of the European Union. Post of Lithuania, 2013.
Lithuania is also active in developing cooperation among northern European countries. It has been a member of the Baltic Council since its establishment in 1993. The Baltic Council, located in Tallinn, is a permanent organisation of international cooperation that operates through the Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council of Ministers.
Lithuania also cooperates with Nordic and the two other Baltic countries through the NB8 format. A similar format, NB6, unites Nordic and Baltic members of EU. NB6's focus is to discuss and agree on positions before presenting them to the Council of the European Union and at the meetings of EU foreign affairs ministers.
The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) was established in Copenhagen in 1992 as an informal regional political forum. Its main aim is to promote integration and to close contacts between the region's countries. The members of CBSS are Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Russia, and the European Commission. Its observer states are Belarus, France, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
born in Vilnius on 1 March 1956. She studied at Vilnius Salomėja Nėris Secondary School.
In 1983, she graduated political economy from the then Leningrad University.
In 1988, she defended her thesis at Moscow Academy of Public Sciences and received doctoral degree in economics. In 1993, the Research Council of Lithuania granted her an academic degree of doctor of social sciences.
In 1992, she completed a special six-month program for senior executives at Georgetown University in Washington.
In 1983, she worked as scientific secretary at the society Žinija under the Academy of Sciences.
She was Head of the Agriculture Division at Vilnius High Party School in 1983-1984, and later, from 1985 to 1990 - a lecturer at the Department of Political Economy.
In August 1990-1991, she was scientific secretary at the Lithuanian Institute of Economics under the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Lithuania.
The independence of Lithuania, Russia 1990 - I
Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira's action encompassed the great world events of the XX century
2th December 1990, Moscow - In the airport, a delegation composed of eleven members of the different TFPs is received by the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Kasimiera Prunskiene (who talks in portoghese). A very intersting conversation during the diner at Lithuanian embassy with some members of the gouvernement of this country.
Kasdienybės geometrija Art Deco interjeruose / The Geometry of Things. Art Deco in Kaunas Interiors
A. ir P. Galaunių namai priklausė Lietuvos menui ir kultūrai nusipelniusių žmonių dainininkės Adelės Nezabitauskaitės-Galaunienės (1895–1962) ir lietuvių profesionaliosios muziejininkystės pradininko Pauliaus Galaunės (1890–1988) šeimai. Jų lėšomis ir rūpesčiu namas pastatytas 1932 m. pagal arch. Arno Funko (1898–1957) projektą.
Dabar čia įrengta memorialinė Adelės ir Pauliaus Galaunių ekspozicija, kur galima pamatyti P. Galaunės surinktas grafikos, ekslibrisų, bibliofilinių knygų ir liaudies meno kolekcijas. Veikia paroda „Kasdienybės geometrija. Art Deco Kauno interjeruose“, kurioje galima pajusti tarpukario laikinosios sostinės gyvenamosios aplinkos kultūrą ir estetiką.
Muziejuje galima apžiūrėti Nepriklausomybės akto signataro Kazio Bizausko kambarį.
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A. ir P. Galaunė House belonged to the opera singer Adelė Nezabitauskaitė-Galaunienė (1895–1962) and a pioneer of professional Lithuanian museology, painter, and art critic Paulius Galaunė (1890–1988) – two important figures in Lithuanian art and cultural life. The house was built in 1932 with their resources and designed by architect A. Funkas (1898–1957). Today in this memorial house you can see the collections of graphic art, ex-libris, bibliophile books, and folk art. The exhibition “Geometry of Things. Art Deco in Kaunas Interiors” is also open. There you can feel the culture and aesthetics of the living environment of the Temporary Capital.
Here you can also visit the room of Kazys Bizauskas – the Signatory of the Independence Act (February 16, 1918), the member of the Constituent Parliament (Seimas), and diplomat.
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Anti-ACTA day Angry crowds take action
The world has witnessed an unprecedented day of protests against ACTA. Hundreds of thousands of people have gathered in dozens of cities around the globe to protect what is left of the freedom of expression on the internet.
Protesters from over 200 European cities consolidated their efforts to hold rallies across Europe. The controversial ACTA treaty was signed by the majority of European countries and now there is a battle to dissuade parliaments from ratifying the agreement.
Massive strikes took place in Germany with organizers saying that a total of some 100,000 people have gathered in many cities across the country, including Berlin, Hanover, Hamburg, and Cologne. Just the previous day Germany put on hold its joining the ACTA treaty after its Justice Ministry decided to wait until the issue is discussed in the European parliament.
In Paris hundreds of masked protesters marched against ACTA, which they say infringes on people's personal freedoms.
Up to 8,000 people marched in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, carrying signs carrying such slogans as ACTA la vista, baby!
In Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, despite the freezing cold, hundreds of protesters rallied in front of the government buildings. Lithuania is one of the EU countries which signed the ACTA agreement, and the protesters are demanding that the government calls off its ratification.
A reasonably large protest was staged in Malta's capital, Valetta, where more than 500 young people gathered to urge the state's parliament not to ratify ACTA.
About 1,500 people gathered in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, while several hundred staged a protest in the university city of Tartu.
The earlier mass discontent over ACTA in the streets and on the Internet has already delivered some tangible results. Some EU countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Latvia and Germany, have decided to halt their joining processes until the European parliament reaches an agreement on the issue in June.
Last month massive rallies took place in Poland and the Czech Republic, as the countries signed the ACTA agreement. On January 26, the controversial ACTA treaty was signed by the 22 of the 27 European Union member states (excluding Germany, Cyprus, Estonia, the Netherlands and Slovakia), and the EU itself.
So far ACTA has been signed by a total of 31 countries across the globe, but none of the signatories have yet ratified it. To come into force ACTA needs to be ratified by at least six countries.
Insult to democracy
Peter Bradwell, a campaigner for the Open Rights Group, believes ACTA is an unacceptable insult to democracy as the agreement hands too much unchecked power to private interests.
The system proposed by ACTA allows businesses to have content taken down and to have users placed under surveillance by their Internet service providers, he said in an interview with RT.
It effectively criminalizes the wrong people and, intentionally or unintentionally, harms freedom of expression. You are creating a system that can be abused and where mistakes can happen. That's why it's such a dangerous agreement, he explains.
Watch RT's interview with Peter Bradwell
Celebrating Lithuania's Independence at LITHUANIAN HOUSE of TORONTO-1991
This recording was performed at LITHUANIAN HOUSE of TORONTO on September 15, 1991 and is part of the archive of the Romanian Cultural Society MIORITA of Ontario, Canada. You will have the opportunity to see portions of the celebration that took place, speeches of some politicians and also the former President of the Moldova's Parliament, Alexandru Mosanu and the leader of the Popular Front, Iurie Rosca.
EBU LT Independence
DOPESHEET
Lithuania commemorates 95 anniversary of its Act of Independence, which was signed by the Council of Lithuania on February 16, 1918 and proclaimed the restoration of an Independent State. Commemoration is attended by the President of neighboring Poland Bronislaw Komorowski, who said he was convinced it is the right time to improve relations between countries.
Various events are held in Lithuanian cities, the most important being planned in capital Vilnius. On the eve of commemoration President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite handed out National Culture and Art Prizes for the leading artists.
Baltic States flag-raising ceremony, the solemn Mass at the Arch Cathedral Basilica and a traditional commemoration near the house were the Act of Independence was signed are among the most important events of February 16.
The culmination of the celebration will take place at national Philharmonic with the gala concert in the evening.
Lithuanians belonged to Russian Empire during the 19th century. Although they rebelled for several times, the first independence opportunity came when Russia was involved in World War I. Germany occupied western part of Russian empire, including Lithuania, and the Council of Lithuania had to maneuver carefully between demands of German authorities and desire for Independence.
The opportunity window appeared in 1918 when Germany was weakened by WWI. Independent Lithuania, although it would soon be battling the Wars of Independence, became a reality.
While the Act's original document has been lost, its legacy continues. The Act is the legal basis for the existence of modern Lithuania, both during the interwar period and since 1990.
Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite meets Poland's counterpart Bronislaw Komorowski who traditionally visits Lithuania to welcome its Independence. On the eve of the visit Komorowski told Polish national radio that it is the right moment to improve relations between countries.
After Parliamentary elections in 2012 October, a centre-left Government was formed which stressed the willingness to repair relations which were overshadowed by discussions regarding Lithuania's large Polish minority and their rights. Spelling of Polish names, bilingual street signs and education law often sparks controversy.
The fact that Electoral Action of Poles, representing Polish minority, is the member of new ruling coalition often leads analysts to conclusion that issues would be resolved and Lithuanian-Polish relations improved.
SHOTLIST:
Copy of Act of Independence
Photo of Council of Lithuania
President Dalia Grybauskaite awards sculptor Vladas Vildziunas
Soundbite (Lithuanian) VLADAS VILDZIUNAS, awarded sculptor:
My father was awarded by the President for very good farming 75 years ago. And now I feel similarly honored.
President awards conductor Modestas Pitrenas
Vs from commemoration near Presidential Palace
President Dalia Grybauskaite arrives at the commemoration
Lithuanian flag is raised
Estonian flag is raised
Latvian flag is raised
Soundbite (Lithuanian), DALIA GRYBAUSKAITE, saying:
Today we are independent and we have our own state. We managed to achieve an incredible progress and transform Lithuania into European state during couple of decades thanks to our joint efforts. Soon we will be entrusted to stand near European Union driving wheel. This witnesses a trust of international community in Lithuania.
Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski
Soundbite (Polish), BRONISLAW KOMOROWSKI, saying:
It is very important that Poland and Lithuania stresses independence of the neighbourer in such a way that commemoration of 1918 independence is attended by Presidents of both countries.
More of commemoration near Presidential Palace
Lithuania | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
00:03:29 1 Etymology
00:05:50 2 History
00:05:59 2.1 Prehistory
00:08:26 2.2 Grand Duchy of Lithuania
00:16:47 2.3 Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth
00:21:58 2.4 Russian Empire
00:25:21 2.5 20th and 21st centuries
00:25:32 2.5.1 1918–1939
00:31:50 2.5.2 1939–1944
00:37:52 2.5.3 1944–1990
00:42:37 2.5.4 1990–present
00:46:28 3 Geography
00:49:11 3.1 Climate
00:52:17 3.2 Environment
00:54:56 3.3 Biodiversity
00:58:40 4 Politics
00:58:49 4.1 Government
01:01:33 4.2 Political parties and elections
01:05:51 4.3 Law and law enforcement
01:10:31 4.4 Administrative divisions
01:12:50 4.5 Foreign relations
01:18:33 4.6 Military
01:22:47 5 Economy
01:30:12 5.1 Companies
01:30:26 5.2 Agriculture
01:32:56 5.3 Science and technology
01:38:57 5.4 Tourism
01:41:10 6 Infrastructure
01:41:19 6.1 Communication
01:44:00 6.2 Transport
01:47:25 6.3 Water supply and sanitation
01:49:20 6.4 Energy
01:53:11 7 Demographics
01:55:39 7.1 Ethnic groups
01:58:51 7.2 Urbanization
02:00:04 7.3 Health
02:03:23 7.4 Religion
02:06:46 7.5 Education
02:11:38 8 Culture
02:11:47 8.1 Lithuanian language
02:14:36 8.2 Literature
02:19:19 8.3 Architecture
02:21:10 8.4 Arts and museums
02:23:39 8.5 Theatre
02:25:15 8.6 Cinema
02:27:24 8.7 Music
02:31:34 8.7.1 Rock and protest music
02:33:55 8.8 Cuisine
02:37:44 8.9 Media
02:40:05 8.10 Public holidays and festivals
02:41:38 8.11 Sports
02:44:52 9 International rankings
02:45:16 10 See also
02:45:35 11 Notes
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
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Voice name: en-US-Wavenet-E
I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Lithuania ( (listen); Lithuanian: Lietuva [lʲɪɛtʊˈvɐ]), officially the Republic of Lithuania (Lithuanian: Lietuvos Respublika), is a country in the Baltic region of Europe. Since its independence, Lithuania has been referred to as one of the Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, to the east of Sweden and Denmark. It is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Kaliningrad Oblast (a Russian exclave) to the southwest. Lithuania has an estimated population of 2.7 million people as of 2018, and its capital and largest city is Vilnius. Other major cities are Kaunas and Klaipėda. Lithuanians are Baltic people. The official language, Lithuanian, along with Latvian, is one of only two living languages in the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family.
For centuries, the southeastern shores of the Baltic Sea were inhabited by various Baltic tribes. In the 1230s, the Lithuanian lands were united by Mindaugas, the King of Lithuania, and the first unified Lithuanian state, the Kingdom of Lithuania, was created on 6 July 1253. During the 14th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was the largest country in Europe; present-day Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and parts of Poland and Russia were the territories of the Grand Duchy. With the Lublin Union of 1569, Lithuania and Poland formed a voluntary two-state personal union, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Commonwealth lasted more than two centuries, until neighbouring countries systematically dismantled it from 1772 to 1795, with the Russian Empire annexing most of Lithuania's territory.
As World War I neared its end, Lithuania's Act of Independence was signed on 16 February 1918, declaring the founding of the modern Republic of Lithuania. In the midst of the Second World War, Lithuania was first occupied by the Soviet Union and then by Nazi Germany. As World War II neared its end and the Germans retreated, the Soviet Union reoccupied Lithuania. On 11 March 1990, a year before the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union, Lithuania became the first Baltic state to declare itself independent, resulting in the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania.
Lithuania is a member of the European Union, the Council of Eu ...
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Lithuania | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Lithuania
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
You can find other Wikipedia audio articles too at:
You can upload your own Wikipedia articles through:
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Lithuania ( (listen); Lithuanian: Lietuva [lʲɪɛtʊˈvɐ]), officially the Republic of Lithuania (Lithuanian: Lietuvos Respublika), is a country in the Baltic region of northern-eastern Europe. Since its independence, Lithuania has been referred to as one of the Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, to the east of Sweden and Denmark. It is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Kaliningrad Oblast (a Russian exclave) to the southwest. Lithuania has an estimated population of 2.8 million people as of 2017, and its capital and largest city is Vilnius. Other major cities are Kaunas and Klaipėda. Lithuanians are a Baltic people. The official language, Lithuanian, along with Latvian, is one of only two living languages in the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family.
For centuries, the southeastern shores of the Baltic Sea were inhabited by various Baltic tribes. In the 1230s, the Lithuanian lands were united by Mindaugas, the King of Lithuania, and the first unified Lithuanian state, the Kingdom of Lithuania, was created on 6 July 1253. During the 14th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was the largest country in Europe; present-day Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and parts of Poland and Russia were the territories of the Grand Duchy. With the Lublin Union of 1569, Lithuania and Poland formed a voluntary two-state union, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Commonwealth lasted more than two centuries, until neighbouring countries systematically dismantled it from 1772 to 1795, with the Russian Empire annexing most of Lithuania's territory.
As World War I neared its end, Lithuania's Act of Independence was signed on 16 February 1918, declaring the founding of the modern Republic of Lithuania. In the midst of the Second World War, Lithuania was first occupied by the Soviet Union and then by Nazi Germany. As World War II neared its end and the Germans retreated, the Soviet Union reoccupied Lithuania. On 11 March 1990, a year before the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union, Lithuania became the first Baltic state to declare itself independent, resulting in the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania.
Lithuania is a member of the European Union, the Council of Europe, eurozone, Schengen Agreement, NATO and OECD. It is also a member of the Nordic Investment Bank, and part of Nordic-Baltic cooperation of Northern European countries. The United Nations Human Development Index lists Lithuania as a very high human development country.
Lithuanian Independence Day Google Doodle [HQ]
On 16th February 2013, Google celebrates Lithuanian Independence Day with a Doodle.
Vasario 16-oji -- Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo diena.
The Act of Independence of Lithuania or Act of February 16 was signed by the Council of Lithuania on February 16, 1918, proclaiming the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania, governed by democratic principles, with Vilnius as its capital. The Act was signed by all twenty representatives, chaired by Jonas Basanavičius. The Act of February 16 was the result of a series of resolutions on the issue, including one issued by the Vilnius Conference and the Act of January 8. The path to the Act was long and complex because the German Empire exerted pressure on the Council to form an alliance. The Council had to carefully maneuver between the Germans, whose troops were present in Lithuania, and the demands of the Lithuanian people.
While the Act's original document has been lost, its legacy continues. The laconic Act is the legal basis for the existence of modern Lithuania, both during the interwar period and since 1990. The Act formulated the basic constitutional principles that were and still are followed by all Constitutions of Lithuania. The Act itself was a key element in the foundation of Lithuania's re-establishment of independence in 1990. Lithuania, breaking away from the Soviet Union, stressed that it was simply re-establishing the independent state that existed between the world wars and that the Act never lost its legal power.
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Long Road Ahead by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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