U. S. President Obama: The strength and unity of Lithuanian people demonstrated 20 years ago continues to inspire us today

Thursday, March 11, Vilnius - President Dalia Grybauskait? and all people of Lithuania are congratulated on March 11, the Day of Restoration of Independence, by President Barack Obama of the United States of America.

"On this anniversary, our message to the Lithuanian people is clear: the strength and unity you demonstrated to the world 20 years ago continues to inspire us today. The United States stood by you during the Soviet occupation, and we remain a steadfast ally and loyal friend," the U.S. President writes in the letter of congratulations.

President Barack Obama underlines in the letter that the events of March 11 were pivotal in the return to democratic values in Central and Eastern Europe: "At the time, these brave citizens could not foresee the impact of their actions, but they never lost their resolve. They became a beacon of hope to those throughout the world seeking freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights."