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U.S. Embassy Celebrates 230th Anniversary of American Independence

5 July 2006

On July 4, the United States Embassy celebrated the 230th anniversary of American Independence in a ceremony that honored the outstanding achievements of Lithuanians who reflected the shared values of the United States and Lithuania.

Signed on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence established an inseparable connection between independence and individual freedom, proclaiming that individuals should be free to pursue their hopes and dreams, and to choose their own government.

As U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Kelly declared in his Independence Day speech, the passion that Americans and Lithuanians share for self-determination is “the main reason that the relationship between our two nations and peoples is so strong.“

Mr. Kelly’s speech also recognized the sacrifices that Lithuanians continue to make in defense of freedom and for the benefit of their communities.  He honored six Lithuanians for their outstanding contributions:

First Lieutenant Donatas Rupšys, in recognition of his work in commanding Lithuanian troops in Iraq.

Dmitrijus Kumašovas, Lithuanian INTERPOL unit, for his contributions to the bilateral law enforcement relationship between Lithuania and the United States.

Rasa Bagdoniene, Kraft Foods' Corporate Affairs Manager for Central Europe, for her firm's outstanding corporate citizenship, including its sponsorship of the "Food Bank" and "Fight Hunger" campaigns, which help provide food to poor families, as well as its support of the Lithuanian Children's Basketball League and major cultural events.

Virmidas Neverauskas and all the players and coaches of the Sporto Vilkai baseball team, for bringing Lithuanians and Americans closer through a shared love of baseball.

Kristina Misiniene, founder and coordinator of Aid to the Victims of Trafficking and Prostitution at Caritas, Lithuania, for her efforts to combat trafficking in persons and provide assistance to victims.

Professor Egidijus Aleksandarvicius, Professor of History at Vytautas Magnus University, for his support of tolerance and his dedication to the defense of civil society.

As Mr. Kelly declared in his speech, “Lithuanians, like Americans, have struggled throughout their history to secure and defend their freedom.”  The U.S. Embassy was honored to celebrate this freedom, and the Lithuanian-American friendship, on Independence Day.