Run in London commemorates victims of soviet aggression in Lithuania
On 9th January, 2016 London Lithuanian Community took part in a 5, 5 mile (~9km) run to commemorate the victims of the January events, 1991, in Vilnius. The run that pays tribute to the people who were killed or severely woundedduring the Soviet army's bloodshed is a popular event held annually in Vilnius. This year for the first time London and a number of other cities with significant Lithuanian diaspora joined in. The run in Parsloes park, Borough of Barking and Dagenham, proved to be also popular amongst wider London community of running enthusiasts.
“The unarmed Lithuanian civilians on January 13, 1991, stood up against Soviet tanks to defend freedom, human dignity and core values of democracy. Fourteen of them paid the ultimate price, many hundreds were wounded. Today we pay tribute to all of them”, the Lithuanian Ambassador to the UK Asta Skaisgiryte said.
The Embassy of Lithuania in the UK would like to express its gratitude to London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Council for its support for the event. The organizers also appreciate the financial contribution made available by Lituanica Retail Ltd.
