November 23 – Formation of Lithuanian Armed Forces military units
The 107th anniversary of the restored Lithuanian Armed Forces was commemorated in Vilnius Cathedral Square and with a parade along Gediminas Avenue.
“The strength of the Lithuanian Armed Forces is not only our weaponry or plans – our strength is our people. Every soldier, from private to general, contributes today to ensuring that we are ready to defend our state. The past year has shown that, when faced with crises and hybrid attacks, we are able to learn quickly, adapt, and strengthen not only our own security but also the security of NATO’s entire eastern flank. And today I want to say clearly: Lithuania has an army it can trust,” said the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, General Raimundas Vaikšnoras, speaking in Cathedral Square.
The President’s address and greetings
During the ceremonial formation in Vilnius Cathedral Square, the soldiers were greeted by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda. The event was attended by the highest leadership of the state and the Armed Forces.
The formation included the flag of the Republic of Lithuania, historical and military flags, and the flags and troops of the branches, forces, and structural units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Standing alongside Lithuanian soldiers were troops from Germany’s 45th “Lithuania” Brigade, United States soldiers currently deployed in Lithuania, as well as soldiers from Belgium, Czechia, the Netherlands, and Norway serving in the NATO multinational battlegroup led by Germany.
Also present in the formation were cadets of the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania and combat units of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. The ceremony was observed by the founders of the Lithuanian Armed Forces – volunteers, Defenders of Freedom, relatives of those fallen in international operations, and wounded soldiers.
One common goal – the security of the Homela
Today, as we celebrate Armed Forces Day, we unite around one common goal – the security of our Homeland. This is a day when we recognize and take pride in the fact that behind our peace, behind the safety of our homes, stand you — the soldiers of Lithuania.
We live in challenging times, but I believe that it is precisely in such moments that we become strong and unbeatable. To preserve the freedom of our state, not only military preparation is needed, but also the understanding of each of us — that serving our country is a shared commitment. Your dedication, daily effort, and high professionalism make a significant difference,” said Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas as he addressed the soldiers.
“Karžygis” Award
During the ceremonial formation in Vilnius, the eighteenth “Karžygis” award was presented. This award is given for selfless, noble, or risky actions. This year, the award was given to Sergeant Marius Dumalakas of the General Jonas Sutkus Division Depot Service and Eduardas Pancerovas, who, in the summer of 2022, while returning home from duty, noticed a burning car. Without hesitation, they stopped and rushed to help. Their actions reflect the essence of a soldier’s mission – to be ready to defend and help people at any moment, not only during service. Both award recipients proved through their actions that courage, the ability to act in extreme situations, and a sense of duty are values characteristic of true Lithuanian soldiers.
Honor Guard Company soldiers performed ceremonial salutes
During the commemoration, a moment of silence honored the fallen, and the soldiers of the Honor Guard Company performed stylized salutes dedicated to the State of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Armed Forces, NATO allies, and partners. The event at Cathedral Square concluded with a greeting flyover by fighter jets of the Spanish Air Force and the Hungarian Air Force, currently conducting the NATO Air Policing mission in Lithuania, followed by a parade of soldiers along Gediminas Avenue to Independence Square.
Exhibition of Lithuanian Armed Forces and Allied Equipment
At the military equipment exhibition of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and their allies on T. Vrublevskio and L. Stuokos-Gucevičiaus streets, visitors could see the “Vilkas” infantry fighting vehicle, the PZH2000 self-propelled howitzer, the JLTV armored support vehicle, quad bikes, motorcycles, UNIMOG trucks, the NASAMS medium-range air defense system, SENTINEL and GIRAFFE MK IV surveillance radars, the “Leopard” tank, the IFV MARDER tracked infantry fighting vehicle, the BOXER armored medical vehicle, and other equipment.
Lithuanian Armed Forces Restoration Day is marked on 23 November 1918, when Prime Minister Augustinas Voldemaras signed Order No. 1 of the Ministry of Defence, which restored the Lithuanian Armed Forces, and which, just a few months later, entered their first battles for the country’s independence.
Lietuvosvalstybe.com
Sources: Lithuanian Armed Forces
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