Rokas Baciuška’s Message on Statehood Day: “Being Lithuanian Is an Honour”

On 6 July 2026, the park of the Šiauliai Culture Centre Rėkyva Culture House was filled with a sense of community, patriotism and festive spirit. The event “Lithuanian Identity and Resilience”, dedicated to Statehood (Coronation of King Mindaugas of Lithuania) and National Anthem Day, brought together visitors of various ages to meaningfully commemorate one of the most important celebrations of Lithuanian statehood.
Presented by Šiauliai City Municipality. Organised by Šiauliai Culture Centre.

Throughout the evening, participants were invited not only to celebrate, but also to take a fresh look at Lithuanian identity, civic awareness and community through creativity, inspiring stories and live interaction. During the educational graphic arts workshops “My Royal Symbol”, children, young people and families created their own personal and family coats of arms, incorporating their most important values, interests and dreams. After becoming acquainted with heraldic traditions, participants tried the monotype technique and created original graphic prints.

The meeting with Dakar Rally champion Rokas Baciuška attracted great interest. The athlete spoke openly about perseverance, motivation, challenges and the responsibility of representing Lithuania in international competitions. The conversation focused on the connection with one’s homeland, the values that help achieve goals, and resilience, which is important both in sport and in everyday life.

“Being Lithuanian is an honour. If you were born in Lithuania, you must love it and represent it with honour. We come from a small country, but we have achieved a great deal not only in motorsport. It is good to be Lithuanian, and it is something to be proud of,” said Rokas Baciuška. After the meeting, the athlete willingly interacted with visitors, posed for photographs, signed autographs and took time to speak with everyone who wished to meet him.

The festive atmosphere continued with a concert by performer Justina Žukauskaitė. Memorable songs, the performer’s warm interaction with the audience and the evening spent together created a cosy atmosphere. The culmination of the event came at 9 p.m., when the National Anthem was sung simultaneously around the world – singing the Lithuanian anthem together once again highlighted the importance of unity, respect for one’s country and community.

The event “Lithuanian Identity and Resilience” became a meaningful space to meet, create, share experiences and celebrate Lithuanian statehood together. Such gatherings strengthen community ties, promote civic awareness and remind us that the strength of a nation is born first and foremost from the unity of its people, responsibility and love for their country.

More photos can be found on the Rėkyva Culture House Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122188658198854204&type=3

Photo by Liubov Yarmoshenko.

Information is provided by Viktorija Mališauskaitė, Head of the Rėkyva Department of Šiauliai Culture Centre, tel. +370 632 59 279, e-mail viktorija.malisauskaite@siauliukc.lt.