Lithuania and Democracy: A Celebration of Freedom and Participation
On February 16th, Lithuania commemorates one of its most significant historical milestones – Lietuvos Valstybės Atkūrimo Diena or State Restoration Day. This day marks the declaration of Lithuania’s independence in 1918, when members of the Lithuanian Council (in Lithuanian, Lietuvos Taryba) signed the Act of Independence, declaring Lithuania a sovereign state. The document was signed by 20 members of the Council, a bold step that laid the foundation for the modern Lithuanian Republic.
The importance of this day goes beyond just historical remembrance; it symbolizes Lithuania’s ongoing commitment to the values of democracy, sovereignty, and the active participation of its people in shaping the country’s future. On this day, the Lithuanian flag is proudly raised across the country, signifying the unity and strength of the nation.
In 1991, the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas) officially recognized February 16th as a public holiday, solidifying its place as State Restoration Day, a celebration of Lithuania’s freedom and the democratic principles upon which the state was built.
This year, the celebration also highlights the significance of youth involvement in democracy. As part of the ongoing effort to connect history with the present, an event was held to commemorate February 16th while focusing on the topic of youth participation in democratic processes. The event was aligned with the goals of the project “Young Change Agents: Youth Participation and Democracy.” This encourages young people to engage in discussions about community development and democratic participation.
The project “Young change agents” aims to teach youth how to bring together diverse groups of people to improve their local surroundings, and identify and prioritize community issues. It focuses on fostering the skills needed for young people to lead discussions on social challenges and create positive changes in their communities through participation.
This connection between Lithuania’s history and contemporary youth activism serves as a powerful reminder that democracy is a continuous journey. By encouraging young people to be active agents of change, we are reafirming its commitment to the democratic values that have shaped its history since February 16, 1918.
