Canada’s Capital, Ottawa, Declares January 13 Lithuanian Freedom Defenders’ Day
Commemorating the 35th anniversary of the tragic events of January 13 and honoring the victims of Soviet aggression, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe officially proclaimed January 13 as Lithuanian Freedom Defenders’ Day.
A ceremony was held at the Office of the Mayor of Ottawa to honor the courage of Lithuania’s defenders, express solidarity, and emphasize the importance of democracy and freedom. During the ceremonial event, an official declaration proclaiming this day as an important commemorative date in Ottawa was presented to the Ambassador of Lithuania to Canada, Egidijus Meilūnas.
“The sacrifice of the Freedom Defenders gave Lithuania the opportunity to live as an independent state. However, the victory of freedom would not have been possible without the support and solidarity of friends. We value Canada as a reliable friend of Lithuania, and the decision to proclaim January 13 as Lithuanian Freedom Defenders’ Day in Ottawa is a meaningful symbol of this support and solidarity,” emphasized Lithuanian Ambassador Egidijus Meilūnas during the commemoration. He also stressed that today we must strengthen support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Russian aggression.
The Ambassador presented the Mayor with a symbolic gift of appreciation—a sculpture titled ‘Along the Path of Freedom.’
“Reminding myself of the events of 1991, I was struck again by the incredible courage of Lithuanians who stood up that day. I'm very proud of our connection with Lithuania and our friendship with the community here in Ottawa. It is my honor to present this proclamation to you,” emphasized Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
The ceremony was attended by numerous staff members of the Embassy of Lithuania in Canada, representatives of the Lithuanian community in Ottawa, and officials from Canadian institutions.
To mark January 13, the Lithuanian Embassy also traditionally organized the annual commemorative walk/run “The Road of Life and Death” in Ottawa. Participants walked from the Eternal Flame on Parliament Hill to the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, where candles were lit in remembrance of the defenders of freedom.
The victims of January 13 were also honored by lighting memorial candles in the windows of the Embassy in Ottawa, symbolizing life, remembrance, and the price of freedom.
