President awards first officer ranks to 58 Lithuanian military academy graduates

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on Friday awarded the first officer rank of lieutenant to 58 graduates of the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, reports BNS.

In a solemn ceremony held in Simono Daukanto Square, the new officers took their oath of service. Addressing the graduates, the president noted that once a year, young men and women gather in this square, determined to serve Lithuania faithfully and defend it with all their strength.

“They take an oath not only to their loved ones, friends, and comrades, but to the entire country, to every citizen of Lithuania, to everyone who ties their future to an independent Lithuanian state, its further growth and prosperity,” Nausėda said.

He expressed confidence that the promise made that day would be fulfilled, and that years of study and rigorous field training had prepared principled, responsible, and professional officers—patriots of the country and future leaders of the Lithuanian armed forces.

“Lithuania now needs everyone who is able and willing to defend it—creative and initiative-taking officers ready for a new era of warfare. Your choice is all the more important. Your knowledge, skills, and determination. You have decided to stand in the front ranks of the defenders of the homeland. Continue to set an example for every Lithuanian soldier and every member of our civilian community. Always serve the state of Lithuania and its people,” the president said.

According to the Presidential Office, this marks the 33rd graduation class from the academy. The first officer rank of lieutenant was conferred on 58 graduates: 50 from the land forces and eight from the air force.

“Fifty men and eight women swore to faithfully serve the state of Lithuania, sparing no effort or life to defend the homeland, its freedom, and independence,” the statement read.

This year’s top graduate was officer Airidas Timinskas.