Lithuanian Independence Day Celebrations
- Category: News
- Date: February 16, 2015
Spirits and Lithuanian flags were flying high at Barking Town Hall in celebration of the Lithuanian Independence Day organised by Leaping Toads with Barking and Dagenham Council.
Leaping Toads children, parents, and members of London’s Lithuanian business community were joined by the Ambassador of Lithuania, Her Exellency Mrs Asta Skysgiryte Liauskiene, to mark Lithuania’s 97th year of Independence. Present at the event were also dignitaries of the “Jotvingis” Lithuanian Navy: Commander Giedrius Premeneckas, and Master Chief Petty Officer Michailas Karpuzova, joined by Colonel Valdas Šiaučiulis, Defence Attaché of the Lithuanian Embassy.
The ceremony took place in the Council Chamber (the heart of the Council’s Headquarters) where Lithuanians and British guests of all professions, ages and backgrounds listened to speeches, the Ambassador’s address, poetry and patriotically sang along with children to traditional Lithuanian songs. All guests and children then gathered outside the Town Hall to raise the British Flag on conjunction with the Lithuanian flag while singing the British and Lithuanian National Anthems. They then watched an expressive performance with the Lithuanian flag by Leaping Toads’ martial arts master, Vladislav.
Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell encouraged all Lithuanian children and adults living in Barking and Dagenham to embrace their roots and not to forget their heritage.
Mrs Simona Staputiene, Principal of Leaping Toads encouraged all persons present to use their freedom to follow their aspirations: “the 16th of February reminds us that we are free people. Each of us is in the process of creating our own future….. and in coming here today, it means that you care about national identity and heritage, which not only helps you to remain strong in your own decision-making but also inspires children by your example.”
We wish to thank for all their support: Her Excellency Mrs Asta Skysgiryte Liauskiene and the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania; Leader Cllr. Darren Rodwell and the Council of London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and Ms Rasa Apostol, owner of Lituanica.
Please find some of the photographs, videos and articles below:
Her Excellency Mrs Asta Skysgiryte Liauskiene Ambassador of Lithuania to the United Kingdom (second left), Mrs Simona Staputiene, Principal of Leaping Toads (middle, in traditional Lithuanian dress), Councillor. Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council (right)
