Lithuanian Freedom Fighters Day
Today is Lithuanian Freedom Fighters Day.
On January 13, 1991, 14 unarmed civilians died defending the right of recovering their independence.
Pro-Kremlin forces that were backed by the Soviet military tried to seize TV tower in Vilnius. Instead a human shield was formed by Lithuanians to protect it. 14 people died, along with over 700 unarmed civilians injured.
Candles are lit and sit by the windowsill, a reminder of memory. Forget-me-nots are worn on the chest as well, a reminder of the sacrifice that was made to regain Lithuanian independence.
The lists of the victims of are:
Algimantas Petras Kavoliukas
Apolinaras Juozas Povilaitis
All of the victims were awarded the Order of the Cross of Vytis (the knight).
Below are photos from that day.
Lithuanians block a Soviet tank in front of the main broadcasting building in Vilnius
Soviet tanks roll through a barricade of cars surrounding the broadcast station. Tear gas fills the air.
Crowds of people attend a funeral procession for the victims.
A woman mourns the loss of a family member killed by Soviet troops.
A burial ceremony for the victims.
Photo credit (they're all from the same article so I'm only linking once)
Photo credit for the last photo
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