This day marks crucial date; the current Independent Lithuania has outlived inter-war Independent Lithuania. Having restored independence in 1990, the present-day Lithuania has existed longer than the interwar republic that lasted from 1918 until the 1940 occupation. The inter-war Republic managed to survive some 8,155 days before the country was occupied by the Soviet Union. And now 8,156 days have passed since 11 March 1990.
Lithuania’s name was first mentioned in written sources in 1009. In XIV-XV centuries, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was the largest country in Europe. It formed a commonwealth with Poland since 1569. The country lost its statehood following the last Partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1795, and Lithuania was put under the rule of the Russian Empire. An independent state was restored on 16 February 1918.
The Soviet Union occupied Lithuania on 15 June 1940 by sending over 150,000 Red Army troops to Lithuanian following an ultimatum. The Baltic state restored its independence on 11 March 1990. Had, in relative terms, the inter-war Lithuanian achieved more that the current Republic?
The Lithuania Tribune, BNS
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I have such am empathy for those caught up in the unfolding and avoidable tragedies of the abysmal 20th Century. When visiting the Baltic States one cannot fail to see images of contented folk going about their business prior to 1940.
Whimsical perhaps but there’s indescribable sadness in hindsight; our now being aware of what was about to engulf them in their sweet innocence. May God bless all of them; the survivors too’ never again.