Speech by the President of Lithuania

President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė

Word of Welcome by H.E. Mr. Valdas Adamkus,President of the Republic of Lithuania, to Visitors of the Millennium of Lithuania Portal

Dear Fellow People of Lithuania,

Dear Guests,

Dear Visitors of the Millennium of Lithuania Portal!

My warm congratulations to you all as we move together with Lithuania into the second millennium of our common history!

Today, as we carry on the work of creating Lithuania started by our forebears, we begin writing a new page in the nation’s history. Together we are building, preserving and protecting our state and together we will continue on this path. Love of freedom and fundamental democratic values that have survived the pain and sorrow of our losses and the brutal repressions by occupiers allow us to state openly and honestly a simple but profound truth: Lithuania has always been and Lithuania will always be.

The ultimate goal, aspiration and meaning that Lithuania has always sought on its historical pathway is to be within Europe and to be Europe in its world outlook and culture.

As we enter the Second Millennium of Lithuania, we are proud to present the city of Vilnius as the European Capital of Culture of the Year. This is yet another confirmation and attestation to Lithuania’s course of historical development.

Vilnius truly deserves to hold this honorable title. With its unique countenance and spirit, its people devoted to preserving the past and creating the future, it sets an example followed by other Lithuanian cities.

I know that the process of creation is an every-day endeavor in your hearts, thoughts and deeds. Thank you all for sparing no effort and emotional intensity to share the gift of life that we have received with the guests of Lithuania and Vilnius: to open the door to Lithuania’s second millennium and introduce Vilnius to the world as the European Capital of Culture.

I send my greetings to Lithuania that is stepping across a historical threshold and I extend a cordial welcome to all visitors and guests!

Valdas Adamkus

President of the Republic of Lithuania