Lietuvos Respublikos Prezidentas

07/31/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/31/2026 03:59

The President in Medininkai: Let us stand vigil, for as long as it takes, in safeguarding our Homeland’s freedom

On Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda took part in the commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Medininkai massacre at the Medininkai Memorial and Antakalnis Cemetery.

Addressing the families of the victims of the Medininkai massacre and participants in the ceremony, the President emphasized that this painful tragedy in Lithuania's modern history reminds us of the difficult yet incredibly courageous journey of building a young nation reborn in freedom.

"That early summer morning, they were on duty. Unarmed, in a modest trailer flying the Lithuanian tricolor, they were guarding a state that had only just regained its independence - its fragile borders and its people. Even though they fully understood the looming danger and the blind brutality of a crumbling empire, these brave men chose, that morning as on every other, not to be afraid. With the national flag raised high, they stood exactly where they were meant to be - at their post," the President said.

Gitanas Nausėda underlined that although the Soviet empire had collapsed and disintegrated, the threat posed by our adversary has not disappeared. Today, it is embodied in Russia's brutal war against Ukraine, which threatens the security of the whole of Europe.

"The Soviet empire, which left our nation with countless painful scars, eventually collapsed and disintegrated. Yet the threat posed by our adversary has not disappeared. Russia's brutal war against Ukraine, in violation of international law, today threatens the security of all of Europe. We must therefore do everything within our power to protect our Homeland and, through our vigilant, steadfast, and united daily efforts, build its strength," the President said in his speech.

Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that the sacrifice of the victims of the Medininkai massacre obliges us to continue the work begun by the defenders of the state and to remain vigilant every day in protecting Lithuania's freedom.

"Here, at this site of heroism, the unconditional resolve to be free resonates as both a promise and a reminder to continue the work begun by the defenders of our state. To take our place on watch and remain ever vigilant. Today, as we honor the cherished memory of the victims of the Medininkai massacre, let us pledge never to forget," the President said.
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