On the first day of the year, celebrating Lithuanian Flag Day, the 106th anniversary of the raising of the Lithuanian flag atop Gediminas Tower was commemorated as per tradition.

“On Lithuanian Flag Day, it is crucial to understand that this flag is not simply a given. The right to fly it was earned by people who considered freedom holier than their own lives. Never give up on Lithuania. By staying strong in our hearts, we will inspire the world. Never give up. For Lithuania. I wish you a victorious 2025,” said Minister Dovilė Šakalienė.

Following tradition, the previous year’s flag was ceremonially lowered and entrusted for safekeeping to one of Lithuania’s schools recognized for promoting civic spirit and nurturing historical memory. In 2024, the Lithuanian national flag that flew atop Gediminas Tower was handed over to Alytus district Butrimonys Gymnasium, winner of the 19th annual “Flag for a School” competition.

This year, 22 schools competed for the honor of safeguarding this national symbol, an acknowledgment of their civic and patriotic activities. The decision to award the 2024 flag to Alytus district Butrimonys Gymnasium was based on the school’s consistent efforts in cultivating a civic-minded, educated, patriotic, creative community that values healthy and secure living. Its strong collaboration with the Lithuanian Army Volunteer Forces and the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union was also recognized. The gymnasium’s long-standing initiatives celebrating February 16th have earned it commendations from Lithuanian Presidents Dalia Grybauskaitė and Valdas Adamkus, the Seimas Speaker Viktoras Pranckietis, and the Ministries of National Defence and Education, Science, and Sport.

Asta Daunoravičienė, the head of Gediminas Tower, the most visited branch of the Lithuanian National Museum, stated: “Today, we have the freedom to proudly wear and fly the tricolor flag in Lithuania. This symbol unites our nation and reminds us of our unity and strength. However, it’s important always to remember and to share with the world the sacrifices made by many for our freedom. Countless people were exiled to the harsh expanses of Siberia, imprisoned in Soviet labor camps, or sacrificed their lives for this flag. It symbolizes not only courage but also our responsibility.”

The Lithuanian tricolor was first raised atop Gediminas Tower on January 1, 1919, by a group of Lithuanian volunteers led by Kazys Škirpa, the Commandant of Vilnius. The ceremony was marked by gunfire salutes and concluded with the volunteers singing the Lithuanian anthem. Sadly, the first Lithuanian flag raised did not fly for long. On January 6, 1919, Bolshevik forces occupying Vilnius tore off the yellow and green stripes, leaving only the red. To honor and remember the bravery of these volunteers, after Lithuania regained independence, the Flag Raising Ceremony has been held every January 1.

During the interwar period, the flag became a significant symbol of unarmed resistance against Soviet occupation, secretly preserved and flown on commemorative days. After the war, under challenging conditions, tricolor flags were secretly displayed in hidden bunkers and town squares, ensuring continuity and identity preservation. During the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, the tricolor united the crowds participating in the Revival (Atgimimas) and Sąjūdis movements until it was officially restored by the law on the Lithuanian national flag on June 26, 1991.

Photo by A. Pliadis, Ministry of National Defence