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, the presidential office reported.
In a solemn ceremony held in Simono Daukanto Square, the graduates took their oath of office. In his address, the president noted that once a year, young men and women gather in this square, determined to faithfully serve Lithuania 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 Lithuanian citizen, 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.
According to the president, Lithuania currently needs everyone who is able and willing to defend it, as well as creative and initiative-driven 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. So 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,” Nausėda said.
This marks the 33rd graduation class of the Military Academy of Lithuania. 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 even their lives to defend the homeland, its freedom, and independence,” the presidential office stated.
This year’s best graduate was officer Airidas Timinskas.