State leaders greet the nation on State Day

Lithuania’s top officials have extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of State Day, marking the coronation of King Mindaugas and the Day of the National Anthem, reported LRT.

In his message, President Gitanas Nausėda called on all citizens to celebrate the state and experience national unity. “Free, dignified, and brave—today let us celebrate our state! State Day and the Day of the National Anthem is the best time to experience togetherness. It is the most favourable occasion to join the common effort of building our national home,” he said.

The president encouraged courage and action, reminding Lithuanians of their strength when united. “Time and again, we have seen how strong we are when we act together and know what we want to achieve. So let us continue to move forward. Let us be united, brave, and determined. May our deeds speak loudly for us. May they tell the whole world how we love freedom and how strong and united Lithuania is,” Nausėda stated.

Acting Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė invited Lithuanians and the global Lithuanian community to celebrate the country’s history, freedom, and time with family. “State Day is an opportunity to be with family and loved ones, to spend time discussing our history, to remember family and national traditions, and to pass them on to children and grandchildren. It is in such meaningful moments that bonds with loved ones and with all of Lithuania are born and strengthened, reinforcing our state,” her message read.

Ruginienė added, “May this holiday unite us and remind us that together we continue Lithuania’s history and shape its future.”

Speaker of the Seimas Juozas Olekas emphasised that July 6th commemorates not only the founding of the state but also the responsibility of today’s Lithuanians for its history. He stressed the importance of strengthening community and fostering responsibility for the country to ensure Lithuania remains a place where people want to live.

“May this holiday unite us and remind us that together we continue Lithuania’s history and shape its future,” Olekas said in his greeting.

State Day is traditionally marked across Lithuania and abroad with the singing of the national anthem, “Tautiška giesmė.” This year, as the nation observes the 773rd anniversary of Mindaugas’ coronation, a state awards ceremony will take place at the Presidential Palace, where the president will honour Lithuanian and foreign citizens for their contributions to the country.

A flag-raising ceremony will be held in Simonas Daukantas Square, followed by a mass at Vilnius Cathedral. The day will culminate with a student song festival event in Vingis Park, where state leaders will join the public in singing the national anthem.