Lithuanian Independence celebrated Lithuanian Cultural Garden February 13, 2021
Members of the Lithuanian community in Cleveland Ohio gathered in the Lithuanian Cultural Garden to celebrate The Act of Reinstating Independence of Lithuania or Act of 16 February which was signed by the Council of Lithuania on 16 February 1918, proclaiming the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania, governed by democratic principles, with Vilnius as its capital.
Bust of Jonas Basanavicius In Lithuanian Cultural Garden
Because of the pandemic only a few officers were allowed to attend this brief outdoor ceremony led by Algis Gudenas and including Honorary Consul General Ingrida Bublys and Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek.
The group gathered at the lower level of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden on MLK Blvd. Algis Gudenas, President of Lithuanian American Cleveland Community Chapter, began the ceremony and the flag of Lithuania was marched in.
Algis Gudenas
The national anthems of the United States and Lithuania were played and then Algis Gudenas gave some remarks.
Vilmis Vaicikauskas (with flag), Algis Gudenas and Augis Dicevicius, Lithuanian Radio program
Councilman Mike Polensek and Consul Ingrida Bublys sing the anthems
Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys placed flowers at the bust of Jonas Basanavicius and gave some remarks.
Ingrida Bublys
Consul General Ingrida Bublys
Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek spoke next.
Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek
This was followed by readings in Lithuanian from Asta Slechticovas, principal of St Casimir Lithuanian Saturday School and her daughter Sofija.
Sofija Slechticovas
Asta Slechticovas, principal of St Casimir Lithuanian Saturday School
The flags were marched out and the program concluded with a group photo.
Lithuanian American Cleveland Community Chapter president Algis Gudenas with fellow officers Ausra Eid, Nomeda Vucianis and Sondra Vaicikauskas
Lithuanian Community Officers with Consul Bublys
Group Photo
Lithuania flags on the hillside of the Cultural Garden for Independence Day
Click on the white arrow to watch the video of the ceremony.
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