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On March 11, 1990, democratically elected Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania declared the Restoration of the Independence. 32 years ago, Lithuanian people set themselves free after 5 decades of soviet occupation. Lithuanians were the first of many European nations behind the Iron Curtain who chose freedom and democracy and voiced their strong will to the world.

During this time, Lithuania has regained its rightful place in the international community, becoming the proud member of such alliances as NATO and the European Union. Canada was the strong and dependable ally that always stood with Lithuania during our difficult history. Canada was the first G7 country to re-establish diplomatic relations with Lithuania and other Baltic countries (Latvia and Estonia) 30 years ago. Many Canadians offered their support in re-building the modern Lithuanian nation.

32 years ago, The Honourable Robert Keith Rae, Canada’s current Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was in Lithuania as part of the delegation from Ontario parliament, which came to observe the first democratic elections held in Lithuania. Later, as the Premier of Ontario, he sent experts to help with reform process of the Baltics states. In 2009, he initiated the resolution by the Parliament declaring the infamous August 23rd as Black Ribbon Day, when Canadians remember the victims of Nazi and Soviet crimes. Today Ambassador Rae is the distinct voice of Canada and democratic community at the United Nations. For his merits, Ambassador Rae was awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania with the Medal of Honour “Lithuanian Diplomacy Star”. The presentation of the medal took place on March 10, 2022, in Ottawa.

Today we are facing another extraordinary moment in the history of humankind. War in Europe started by Russia with the unprovoked illegal invasion of Ukraine is bringing the world back to the brink. At this very moment, the people of Ukraine are fighting for the survival of their country and Europe. They also defend the rules-based international order. The devastating consequences of Russian aggression – not only for Europe, but globally – cannot be overstated. We must not let another Srebrenica, Grozny or Aleppo happen in Ukrainian cities. The provision of assistance to Ukraine should continue.

Our Independence Day events were dedicated to our Ukrainian brothers and sisters to support their fight for freedom.

On March 10, for the National Day event in Ottawa, Embassy invited local Canadian Ukrainian family – Simon and Ashley Lewchuk with their children – Sophie, Sam, Benjamin and Oliver. These children came up with the idea of handmade pins of Ukrainian flag. All collected money goes to the Red Cross to help Ukrainian families. These children are setting an extraordinary example that each of us can do something to help Ukrainian people.

On March 11, together with Toronto Lithuanian House and Lithuanian Canadian Community, Embassy organized concert "For Freedom Yours and Ours". All funds raised at the event were donated to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal. The concert of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Quartetto Gelato musicians was spearheaded by Atis Bankas, Canadian Lithuanian musician.

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