Nausėda urges to draw strength from defenders of Lithuania’s borders

On Sunday, as the country commemorated the 31st anniversary of the tragedy in Medininkai, President Gitanas Nausėda called on all the people of Lithuania to unite, join forces, and draw strength from the officials who, at the dawn of independence, risked their lives to reinforce the country’s borders and to protect them, said the presidency.

According to the president, the Medininkai massacre, which was survived by the only customs officer Tomas Šernas, was conceived as an instrument of terror to intimidate the Lithuanian people, but only served to further unite them. The collective pain, remorse, and compassion for the families of the murdered inspired the people of the country that had just regained their independence to face all challenges and to win the day.

“Today we are winners – citizens of a free and independent democratic state. As members of the European Union and NATO, we remain faithful to the principles that helped us win our independence. And now, when Ukraine needs our help, we clearly understand our responsibility and act accordingly,” Gitanas Nausėda addressed the participants of the commemoration at the memorial to the victims of the Medininkai massacre.

The president calls on all the people of the country to cherish the memory of the great sacrifice of Medininkai and to pass it on through generations, so that Lithuania would always remain an invincible fortress of freedom.