Independence of Lithuania from the Soviet Union

Independence of Lithuania from the Soviet Union History

Independence of Lithuania from the Soviet Union, also known as Restoration of Statehood Day, celebrates the re-establishment of the State of Lithuania following 5 decades of Soviet rule. In 1940, during World War II, Lithuania lost its independence again as it was invaded by the Soviet Army. Upon occupation, Lithuania was converted from democracy into a Soviet Socialist Republic. In the late 1980s, as the Soviet Union struggled to keep its economy afloat, growing discontent was apparent in the Baltic states. Finally on 11 March 1990, the Supreme Soviet Lithuanian SSR became the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania and formally declared that it had re-established the State of Lithuania.

Independence of Lithuania from the Soviet Union is celebrated annually on 11 March.

Top facts about Independence of Lithuania from the Soviet Union

• Lithuania's first democratic elections since the start of WWII were held in February of 1990.
• In 1939, Nazi Germany and the USSR signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact which divided Eastern Europe between them. The Baltics, including Lithuania, were assigned to the USSR and subsequently occupied by the Soviet Army in 1940.
• On the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a human chain, called the Baltic Way, was formed between Tallinn, Estonia, Riga Latvia and Vilnius, Lithuania.
• Lithuania was the first of the official 15 Soviet states to break away from the Soviet Union and declare its independence. Estonia would follow two weeks later and Latvia in May.
• The Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania, expressing the will of the nation, decrees and solemnly proclaims that the execution of the sovereign powers of the State of Lithuania, abolished by foreign forces in 1940, is re-established, and henceforth Lithuania is again an independent state. - Act of Re-Establishment of Lithuania.

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Top events and things to do

• Collect the special 2016 Euro coins that have been made to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Lithuania's restored independence.
• Arrange public speeches or panel discussions, where civic leaders, historians, or intellectuals can share their insights on Lithuania's journey to independence.
• Spread awareness on social media using hashtags such as #IndependenceLithuania, #BelieveinFreedom and #RestoringLithuania.
• Sample Lithuanian dishes such as cepelinai (potato dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese), kugelis (potato pudding), or šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup). Celebrating Lithuanian independence can be a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's culture.
• Attend the raising of the flag ceremony. The ceremony is held in Vilnius and other cities and features the raising of the Lithuanian flag, the signing of the anthem and often the raising of the other two Baltic nations' flags as well.