Lithuania on Monday marks the 33rd anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from its territory, a milestone that completed the departure of the former occupying forces following the restoration of the country’s independence.
The commemoration in Vilnius includes a march by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Orchestra, the Honour Guard Company and soldiers from Cathedral Square along Gedimino Avenue to Lukiškių Square. A flag-raising ceremony and orchestral concert will follow at the square.
At Vilnius railway station, an installation titled Towards Unconditional Freedom will open, featuring archival photographs, texts about Freedom Day and posters created by members of the public. The opening will be followed by a discussion titled Freedom Talks.
Lithuania declared its independence on March 11, 1990. At the time, about five divisions of the Soviet occupying army remained stationed in the country, comprising approximately 34,600 troops, 1,000 tanks, about 180 aircraft and 1,901 armoured vehicles.
Negotiations on the withdrawal of Soviet forces began after Lithuania declared independence.
