The Young Generation – a Living Symbol of Freedom: Šiauliai Solemnly Commemorated March 11

On March 11, 2026 – the Day of the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence – Šiauliai was filled with the colors of the Lithuanian tricolor, music, and a sense of community. Residents of Šiauliai and guests of the city were invited to celebrate the day of freedom together by participating in the traditional march “Lithuania in Our Hearts,” organized for the thirteenth time, the Lithuanian State Flag raising ceremony, a mass community action – the pinwheel dance, a festive concert, and other meaningful events. The organizers hope that these events not only remind people of an important date in Lithuania’s history but also strengthen the sense of community, encourage the younger generation to take pride in their country, and nurture the values of freedom and civic responsibility.
Initiator – Šiauliai City Municipality. Organizer – Šiauliai Cultural Center.

The morning of March 11 began with the tricolor march “Lithuania in Our Hearts,” organized by the 6th Territorial Unit of the Resurrection District of the National Defence Volunteer Forces and the Šiauliai Cultural Center, bringing together different spaces and people of the city. The procession stretching from Šiauliai Arena to Prisikėlimo Square became a living symbol of patriotism. A special part of the march was the participation of young people from Šiauliai – students from gymnasiums and progymnasiums who carried an impressive 300-meter-long Lithuanian State flag. The procession was accompanied by the Šiauliai Wind Orchestra (art director and conductor S. Vaičiulionis, conductor G. Brūzga), whose music added solemnity and an uplifting atmosphere to the march.

At noon, the ceremonial commemoration in Prisikėlimo Square united tradition with the modern spirit of community. The Lithuanian State Flag was raised, the national anthem was sung, and congratulatory speeches were delivered. The Lithuanian State Flag was raised by Julius Čepauskas, a graduating student of Šiauliai University Gymnasium, who this academic year won first place in the city stages of the chemistry and biology olympiads and second place in the regional stage of the economics and entrepreneurship olympiad. The Lithuanian national anthem was performed by Gabija Kumpytė, a soloist from Šiauliai 1st Music School.

Congratulatory speeches were delivered by Kipras Spulginas, a graduating student of Šiauliai “Romuva” Gymnasium, and Povilas Ušinskis, a graduating student of Šiauliai Saulius Sondeckis Arts Gymnasium. The achievements of these young people symbolize the Lithuania of the future – curious, talented, and responsible.

“I would like to wish that larks fly above Lithuania’s fields and forests instead of drones over military training grounds, that our hearts love, our eyes shine, and that we remain happy and united. Because this is the free Lithuania we wish to see. Happy March 11,” wished K. Spulginas.

“Let us join hands and shout together – we are Lithuania! It is not our fault that we were born Lithuanians; we want to remain Lithuanians. We were born with this honor, and we must not allow it to disappear,” added P. Ušinskis.

Immediately after the heartfelt speeches, the gathered crowd was greeted by students of Šiauliai Vincas Kudirka Progymnasium, who presented a touching poetic greeting. Later, the participants of the celebration were united by the mass pinwheel dance. More than 200 participants spun tricolor pinwheels to the song “Žemė mano” by the band “Kitava.” The unique spectacle became like a living wave of freedom caught by the wind, reminding everyone that freedom remains alive as long as we protect it in our hearts.

The festive program in Prisikėlimo Square culminated with a concert by the band “Saulės kliošas,” featuring energetic songs reflecting the spirit of freedom. Music, smiles, and a sense of unity once again reminded everyone that March 11 is not only a historical date but also a living celebration of freedom experienced anew every year.

The organizers thank the interpreters of the Šiauliai Territorial Division of the Lithuanian Sign Language Interpretation Center for making the commemoration accessible to everyone.

The full program of events can be found on the websites of the Šiauliai City Municipality (www.siauliai.lt) and the Šiauliai Cultural Center (www.siauliukc.lt).

Information provided by Edita Smindriūnaitė, Head of the Exhibition Department of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, mob. +370 656 13 886, e-mail edita.smindriunaite@siauliukc.lt.

Photos by Liubov Yarmoshenko and Rolandas Parafinavičius.

More photos can be found on the Šiauliai Cultural Center Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1406306198206874&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1406334581537369&type=3