Research into Lithuania's dark history of occupations and the sites that honor them
As the popular saying goes, "Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it". When we were introduced to the Museum of Occupations, we recognized its importance and wanted to learn more about it.
Before visiting Lithuania, we were very uninformed about the tragedies that occurred in this country during its Soviet and Nazi occupations. Even today, there are some that refuse to acknowledge certain parts of this history, particularly the execution of thousands of Jewish People.
Finally, the relevance of the Soviet occupation in current events cannot be understated. As Putin attempts to occupy Ukraine, one cannot deny that he will not stop there. If he succeeds, no previously Soviet-occupied country will be safe.
Выступление Президента Зеленского 11 июля 2023 года
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a speech in Lithuania on July 11th, 2023. The speech took place in a strategic location across from the Museum of Occupations.
The location of the speech demonstrates the potential consequences of Russian aggression as Putin increases his hostility in Eastern Europe.
With the current events in Ukraine and Russia, the speech ties back to dark times in history for all countries under Soviet Occupation.
“No one, including Lithuanians, will ever have to fight against Russian troops, not at the Vilnius TV tower, or in any other Lithuanian city, or any other European capital. Lithuania will always belong to you,” -President Volodymyr Zelensky