A commemorative afternoon honouring the restoration of Lithuanian statehood
“Lithuania, our dear homeland, land of worthy heroes!…” – these words from the national anthem customarily started the solemn meeting of the Council and Senate of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), dedicated to February 16 – the day of the restoration of the Lithuanian state.
A large group of members of the university community gathered on Thursday afternoon in the Z. Januškevičius meeting room of the Teaching Laboratory Building. Congratulating everyone on the upcoming national holiday, LSMU Rector Prof. Dr. Rimantas Benetis recalled how the nation expressed its will and desire to restore its lost freedom.
“Let us remember the twenty people who took on the enormous responsibility of declaring Lithuania’s independence. It is an honour that among these historical figures were also doctors. One of them was Dr. Jonas Basanavičius. The roots of the university remind us of this special date—it is thanks to true values that our university came into being,” said the Rector, expressing his hope that the historical significance of this special day would inspire the community.
Gintaras Skorupskas, Chairman of the University Council, wished everyone the courage to be honest not only in the academic community, but also in society.
“Freedom acts as a silent backdrop to which we are accustomed and which we do not feel today. We have a state that has learned to resist over many years. We have strong foundations. Freedom is not a structure or documents; it requires meaning and content. February 16th lives on as long as it lives in our thoughts and actions,” said the Chairman of the Council, wishing everyone to preserve what is dear to them.
Chairwoman of the Senate Prof. Dr. Jūratė Macijauskienė emphasised that Lithuanian history is extremely important for our present and for the future of the University and the entire academic community. LSMU Vice-Rector for Studies Prof. Dr. Indrė Čeponienė also called for remembering the restoration of freedom in her presentation “On the Shoulders of Giants: The Founders of the University and Free Ideas,” recalling the formation of the medical sector under difficult circumstances.
„So many things have changed during that time, so much had to be done to get where we are now. Unfortunately, there were not only bright times – the establishment of Kaunas Clinics Hospital, the construction of other departments, but also difficult periods – times of resistance and occupation,“ said Prof. Dr. I. Čeponienė, Vice-Rector for Studies, said during the celebration, emphasising the price of freedom once again at the end of her presentation.
During the festive celebration, sponsors were thanked for their significant contribution to the development of the University‘s activities, the strengthening of study and research initiatives, and the support of the University community. The status of Silver Sponsor of the University for 2024 was awarded to UAB Avon Cosmetics, while the status of Gold Sponsor for 2025 was awarded to UAB Gaivilė and UAB Skirgesa. University Rector Prof. Dr. R. Benetis shook hands with Jurgita Gasiūnienė, representative of UAB Avon Cosmetics, Director of UAB Gaivilė Dainius Vaitiekūnas, and Director of UAB Skirgesa Skirmantas Akelis, sincerely thanked them for their contribution to strengthening the University.
The artistic programme of the celebration featured melodies performed by the academic choir Neris, as well as performances by the playful folk-dance group of the LSMU Gymnasium’s preschool and primary education department, the LSMU Gymnasium’s senior mixed choir Ave Musica, and the choir Ave Vita.
After the solemn meeting of the Council and Senate of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, colleagues shared their memories, stories of their loved ones, and historical insights about one of the most significant days in Lithuanian history – February 16.
