Lithuanian Embassy in the UK celebrates Independence Day
On February 9, 2015 the Lithuanian Embassy in London in the presence of the Guest of Honour of HE Mrs Loreta Graužinienė, the Speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament, invited British politicians as well as business people and foreign diplomats to mark the 97th anniversary of the restoration of the Lithuanian statehood. A reception followed by a concert of classical music was held at St. Peter’s Church in London.
“We have gathered here to celebrate the National day of Lithuania. The modern Lithuanian state was established in February of 1918. Although the Soviet occupation brought our statehood to an end in 1940, the ideals of freedom and independence embedded in the declaration of February 16th 1918, never lost its significance to the Lithuanian people. The rightful continuity of the interwar Lithuanian state was proclaimed when the Lithuanians won their freedom back in 1990. Long live free and independent Lithuania!” the Lithuanian ambassador to the UK Asta Skaisgirytė Liauškienė said.
The diplomat also thanked the consecutive British governments for not recognising Lithuania‘s incorporation into the Soviet union in the period of 1940 – 1990.
The concert of classical music included pieces by M. K. Čiurlionis, Pable de Serato, Fransz Liszt, and Gaetemo Donizetti. The music was perfomed by mezzo-soprano J. Gringytė, R. Vingras, J. Makarova, A. Botyrius (all on piano) and A. Makštutis (clarinet).
The UK‘s Lithuanian Community continues to celebrate the 97th. Anniversary of the restoration of the Lithuanian statehood this week. The commemorative events are scheduled on 15 & 16 February in London and Oxford.
