Lithuania celebrates the 20th anniversary of NATO membership – Alkas.lt

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Lithuania’s membership in NATO, commemorative ceremonies were held in Daukantas Square. Lithuanian and NATO flags were raised near the Presidency, two Mirage fighter jets of the French Air Force and four Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters of the US Air Force flying over to greet Lithuania.“We are approaching the 20th anniversary of NATO membership at a difficult time. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine reminds us that peace in Europe is not a self-evident phenomenon. We see every day how difficult it is to defend freedom and human dignity. Today, we would not have the opportunity to rejoice and celebrate if it were not for the insightful and far-sighted decisions taken at the beginning of the period of Independence”, said President Gitanas Nausėda during the celebrations.

According to the president, as soon as we restored an independent democratic state, we rushed to ensure its security and sought to join NATO as soon as possible.

“Today, Lithuania is a resilient, strong state preparing for global defense. Today we are safer than ever. Every year, thousands of allied soldiers take part in the NATO exercises held in Lithuania. Our security is ensured by the rotating United States and forward Alliance forces, the air police mission. We are preparing to receive the German brigade as well. But history constantly reminds us that we must be prepared. We must continue to consistently increase defense spending. Invest in your safety. Continue to support Ukraine”, the President emphasized.

The Minister of National Defense emphasized that the task of each ally is to be ready to defend and defend.

“In 2004 March 29 by becoming a member of NATO, Lithuania returned to the space of Western civilization and thus, after half a century, fulfilled the goal of the Council of the LLKS to contribute “to the efforts of other nations to create a permanent peace based on justice and freedom in the world, based on the full implementation of the principles of true democracy”. With NATO membership, our “one-on-one” fight for freedom and justice ended and defense together with allies and like-minded people began. This is one of the most important achievements of independent Lithuania.

During these twenty years, both the security environment and the Alliance itself have changed radically. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, NATO returned to its roots of deterrence and territorial collective defense. Allies are taking concrete steps to consolidate their political commitment to defend every centimeter of NATO territory, said Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

The art installation “ MesNATO20 ” opens tonight in the capital’s Cathedral Square.