U.S. Embassy Marches Against Gender-Based Violence

On December 7th, Embassy Vilnius organized a peaceful march in support of the UN campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence” and to commemorate the 2008 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.  Despite the rain and cold, women, men and children came out on a Sunday afternoon in good numbers to shed light on this blight affecting so many in Lithuania and around the world.  Embassy personnel gathered with women's rights activists, members of the Lithuanian government, and members of the diplomatic core, among others, at a square up the street from the well-known Cathedral of Vilnius with banners and signs carrying messages championing peace and disavowing violence.  The marchers proceeded through the streets of Old Town Vilnius, past numerous churches, markets, shops and restaurants, all filled with Sunday crowds.  The walk ended at the Vilnius Town Hall, where activists were treated to hot drinks and snacks.  The event ended with a serious of brief remarks from the Embassy's partner in the walk – the Women’s Information Center, members of the Lithuanian government and Mrs. Mary E. Cloud, wife of U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania John A. Cloud.  Mrs. Cloud encouraged men, women, governments and society to stand up and take action to eliminate violence against women and girls.

Navajo Poets in Lithuania Leave Audiences Spellbound

Nolan Black Eagle Eskeets and April Kateri Chavez

The U.S. Embassy hosted three Native American Poetry Slam events in Vilnius and Kaunas on November 27-28, 2008.  Two young Navajo poets, alumni of the Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico, Nolan Black Eagle Eskeets and April Kateri Chavez along with their teacher Timothy McLaughlin, performed their evocative work with great gusto at Vilnius University, Kaunas J. Jablonskis High School, and Vytautas Magnus University leaving all their audiences spellbound. The guests received an extremely warm welcome at the Jablonskis High School where students presented a cultural program of their own, the highlight being their impressive interpretation of The Blessing Poem written by the two modern Navajo storytellers.  Every performance was followed by a question and answer session which proved to be a wonderful tool of discovery about the rich and vibrant traditions of Navajo culture - very much an integral part of the lives of both poets. Their visit to Lithuania concluded with their participation at a Lithuanian folklore concert at Kaunas Jesuits High School on Friday evening where the poets gave one of their most memorable performances.

Lithuanian Solder Receives United State's Army Commendation Medal

Lt. Col. Raimondas Visockis and Lt. Col. David Millner (right)

On 24 November 2008 U.S. Defense and Army Attaché to the Republic of Lithuania, Lieutenant Colonel David Millner, presented the United States Army Commendation Medal to Lithuanian Lieutenant Colonel Raimondas Visockis, commander of the Lithuanian Military Engineering School.  The presentation was made during a small ceremony at the Grand Lithuanian Hetsman Jonusas Radvila Training Regiment of the Lithuanian Engineering School in Rukla. 

The award was signed by United States Central Command Acting Commander, Lieutenant General Martin Dempsey, and recognizes Lieutenant Colonel Visockis' service as the Lithuanian liaison officer to the United States Central Command, where he coordinated the efforts of Lithuanian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Lieutenant Colonel Visockis was stationed at United States Central Command and coordinated on behalf of Lithuania for its role in coalition operations.  Hearty congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel Visockis for this meritorious service.

Ambassador Cloud Congratulates Lithuania on Visa Waiver

It is my great pleasure to congratulate the people of the Republic of Lithuania on Lithuania's designation as a new participant in the United States Visa Waiver Program, announced by President Bush on October 17, 2008. 

The Government of the United States and Government of the Republic of Lithuania have been working hard to make the Visa Waiver Program a reality in Lithuania.  This program will further enhance the strong friendship between our countries by facilitating travel to the United States for Lithuanian tourists and business persons.  We expect that Lithuanian citizens can begin visa-free travel by the end of this year.  In the coming weeks we will release more detailed information on the implementation of the Visa Waiver Program in Lithuania.  Please check our website for the latest information. 

I am very proud to share this exciting news with you and congratulations again on joining the Visa Waiver Program!

Sincerely,
Ambassador Cloud

President Bush Meets with President Adamkus of Lithuania

Oval Office
White House
September 29, 2008

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The United States Awards a Grant to Promote Energy Security in Lithuania

USTDA Director Larry W. Walther (left) and Minister  Vytas Navickas

The United States is funding a feasibility study for a liquefied natural gas import terminal in Lithuania under an agreement signed between the United States and Lithuania on September 15, 2008.  The director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the agency awarding the grant, Larry W. Walther traveled to Lithuania specifically to meet with representatives of the government of the Republic of Lithuania and sign the agreement.  The agreement grants the amount of $826,501 (over 2 million LTL) to Lithuania to conduct a study to analyze the possibility of building a liquefied natural gas terminal with a capacity of 1.5 billion to 2.0 billion cubic meters.  Three possible sites, including one offshore, will be evaluated under the agreement, and based on the results, the Ministry of Economy will select one site that will be examined in greater detail in the future to determine the appropriate technology for the terminal.  After signing the agreement with Lithuanian Minister of Economy Vytas Navickas, Director Walther said the aim of the deal was to help Lithuania to diversify its energy sources and assure security of supply.

Appreciation of Lithuanian Service in Iraq

LITCON 10 Platoon

"Today, 1 August 2008, was a sad but significant day in the life of Coalition Forces on Forward Operating Base Delta in Al Kut, Iraq. We witnessed the departure of our LITCON 10 Platoon, which served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, with distinction and honor, since 13 December 2007, with prior training in Kuwait.

In support of our Wasit Province Reconstruction Team (PRT), these Lithuanian patriots worked tirelessly, regardless of the threat condition, outside the wire, frequently for six days a week. They provided the security which enabled the PRT to make assessments and pursue agriculture, economic development, educational, medical, water, electrical and court house reconstruction projects. These projects are essential to establishing and maintaining the democratic dictates of the new Iraqi Constitution and would not have been possible without the service of LITON 10 Platoon, the mighty Iron Wolfs.

I have never served with, or alongside of, a finer military unit.
The only request they ever made, a frequent one, was "give us another mission." As a credit to their training and professionalism, they fulfilled every mission and returned home safely with each member of their platoon. By the exemplary performance of their duties and warmth of the Lithuanian people they shared with all of us, they won our lasting respect, admiration and friendship.

By their outstanding service in Iraq, they represented every Lithuanian citizen with valor and integrity.

May God continue to bless each one of them and the great country of Lithuania." -- Col. Rich Wayne, USMC ret.

The United States Commends Lithuanian Soldiers

Awards ceremony in Iraq

On July 24, in Iraq, First Lieutenant Gediminas Alisauskas, Senior Warrant Officer Arunas Zajanckauskas, Master Sergeant Danius Vilkaitis, and Staff Sergeant Arturas Dargevicius received the United States Army's Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  These four individuals were instrumental in the success of the mission of the Lithuanian Contingent Ten (LITCON-10's) from December 13, 2007 to June 1, 2008.  LITCON-10 served along side United States forces at Camp Delta in Al Kut, Iraq and received many compliments for their professionalism and performance from their commanders and fellow coalition soldiers.  The commander of the 41st Fires Brigade, the American unit that LITCON-10 has been serving with, presented the awards to the Lithuanian soldiers.

Ambassador Cloud Inaugurates First International Human Rights Law Institute

Ambassador John A. Cloud gave a speech at the inauguration of International Human Rights Law Institute

Ambassador Cloud kicked off the very first International Human Rights Law Institute in Lithuania on July 23.  The two-week intensive summer seminar at Mykolas Romeris University was the brainchild of a group of alumni of the Embassy's exchange programs, including the Edmund Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program, the Fulbright Program, and the International Visitor Leadership Program.  To support the institute the Embassy invited Professor Cindy Galway Buys of the Southern Illinois University School of Law to teach students from Lithuania, Belarus and the U.S. about how international human rights are incorporated into domestic legal systems in the United States and the European Union.  Elon University in North Carolina and the Lithuanian Human Rights Monitoring Institute are also supporting the project.  Mykolas Romeris and all of the partners hope that this innovative program will be repeated in the years to come. 

One Step Closer to the United States

The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius welcomed a new temporary resident on July 23 -  Frank Zappa.  A bust of the American musician's head, a gift to the artist's birthplace from the Lithuanian Zappa fan club  "Zappart," will be temporarily housed on the Embassy grounds on its way to the city of Baltimore in Maryland.  The bust, cast in bronze, is a replica of the popular Zappa monument in Vilnius.

U.S. Embassy in Vilnius Celebrates American Independence Day

Ambassador John A. Cloud presents Certificate of Appreciation to LtCol Marijus Šalkevičius Photo Gallery

The United States Embassy commemorated the 232nd anniversary of American independence on July 4. During this year’s event the Embassy honored the outstanding achievements of two individual Lithuanians and a company that have not only helped to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Lithuania but also had a direct and important impact on people all over the globe.
Full text of remarks by Ambassador John A. Cloud

Ambassador Cloud Congratulates Vytautas Magnus University School of Law Graduates

Ambassador Cloud presents certificates to Vytautas Magnus University graduates

On June 21, Ambassador Cloud delivered the commencement speech at the graduation ceremony of the Vytautas Magnus University School of Law.  Ambassador Cloud congratulated the graduates and wished them great success as they shape the future of their country and the world.  A select number of the new lawyers also finished a specilized course of study offered through a partnership between Vytautas Magnus University and Michigan State University.  Ambassador Cloud personally presented these students the prestigious Certificate in Transnational Law they earned through this program. 

full text of remarks
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Understanding Intellectual Property Rights

Protecting intellectual property rights is an important means to encourage invention and innovation.  The legal protections granted by intellectual property laws are credited with significant contributions toward economic growth.  The U.S. Government has created an information resource for safeguarding intellectual property rights, including several toolkits to provide general information about intellectual property rights.  This website features a toolkit for intellectual property rights protection in the European Union and an overview of the steps that may be taken to protect and enforce those rights.  Click here for more information.

Visiting DAS Graffy Surprises Winners of Student Art Competition

Deputy Assistant Secretary Colleen Graffy surrounded by Siauliai region students at the American Center

The American Center hosted an awards ceremony for a group of students who participated in an art competition sponsored by the American Corner in Siauliai.  Thirty young aspiring artists from the northern city created paintings based on their perceptions of the United States as part of a series of events geared towards students.  The American Center recognized all of the participants during the opening of a temporary exhibition of their creations housed at the Center and honored the three students whose artistic renderings best represented the United States and most demonstrated originality.  The winners received their awards from a surprise guest, the visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy Colleen Graffy.  Deputy Assistant Secretary Graffy spoke fondly to the students about growing up in the United States and encouraged them to all visit the place that inspired their art.

Ambassador Cloud Congratulates Lithuanian Cadets

Ambassador Cloud and Defense Cooperation Officer LTC Richard T. Gibbons (right) present commissions to Lithuanian cadets

The U.S. Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation hosted a ceremony to congratulate Lithuanians selected to attend military service academies in the United States on June 5.  Ambassador John Cloud presented commissions to each of the selectees at a ceremony held at the American Center.  Cadet Vytenis Bucius, currently in his second year at the Lithuanian Military Academy, will attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.  Cadet Tadas Goptaitis, also in his second year at the Lithuanian Military Academy, was given a commission for the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Mr. Justinas Zenkevicius, who will graduate from high school this year, was selected to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York state.  The new cadets will not only have the honor of attending these prestigious academies, but will receive complete tuition for attendance from the U.S. government.  Upon graduating in 2012, they will begin serving in the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Invitation to a Presentation on Biotechnology

Through a U.S. Government-sponsored program, a farmer from Spain, Mr. Jose Romeo, will be visiting Lithuania May 29-30.  Mr. Romeo will meet with Lithuanian agricultural specialists and scientists and give a presentation on how biotechnology works to protect the environment and aids organic farming.  The presentation will take place on Thursday, May 29 at 11:00 at the Chamber of Agriculture (Donelaicio 2, Kaunas) and on Friday, May 30 at 11:00 at the Institute of Agriculture in Dotnuva (Akademija, Stoties 2).  All are welcome to attend. view full presentation (pdf file size 3 mb)

Ambassador Cloud Commemorates the Service and Sacrifice of Fallen Military Personnel

U.S. Commemorates War Veterans in Lithuania

On Wednesday, 28 May 2008, at 11:30, U.S. Ambassador John Cloud will join representatives of the Silute government, Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, Lithuanian Armed Forces and members of the United States Defense Attaché Office to participate in a Memorial Day ceremony at the Macikai village cemetery in Silute region. more

Lithuanian Officer Receives Recognition from the Government of the United States of America

Lieutenant Colonel Marius Kazlauskas (left) and Naval Attaché Tomas A. Alksninis

On April 18, 2008, during a ceremony held at the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, Naval Attaché Tomas A. Alksninis presented Lieutenant Colonel Marius Kazlauskas with a Meritorious Service Medal. Lt. Col. Kazlauskas received the medal for his outstanding meritorious service as the Senior National Representative of Lithuania to the United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Lt. Col. Kazlauskas displayed outstanding professionalism and sound judgment in addressing and resolving a broad range of complex issues associated with coordinating the contributions and deployment of the Lithuanian contingent supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The American Embassy Presents …

THE MONTH OF AMERICAN CULTURE

April marks the second annual celebration of the American Month of Culture.  One of the greatest aspects of America is the diversity of its people.  In addition to enriching our society, this medley of people and viewpoints enlivens American culture. The American Embassy would like to share this piece of the United States with Lithuania and so, during this month, a variety of American artists, musicians, and film directors, in collaboration with their Lithuanian peers, will showcase their exciting works all across Lithuania.  Come celebrate with us and enjoy a slice of America! more

Please click here for a calendar of events in Lithuanian. ( pdf file 450 Kb)

Ambassador Cloud Presents Voice of America Archives to the Government of Lithuania

Exchange Alumni Discuss Economics and Finance with the Ambassador

Ambassador Cloud discusses economics with Lithuanian Fulright Alumni

Ambassador John A. Cloud held an informal round-table discussion with alumni of USG exchanges January 30 at the relaxed setting of the American Center library.  Bankers, business consultants, journalists and academics exchanged views on the global effects of the U.S. economy, IP, free trade and the WTO, Russia's role in Lithuania's economy, and other economic and financial issues with the Ambassador, DCM, and other Embassy officers. The lively discussion continued well into the evening.  The Lithuanian participants were alumni of the International Visitor Leadership Program and Fulbright Program.

Back to Our Roots:  The Land Where Blues Began

Photo gallery

The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius marked Black History Month, annually observed in the U.S. in February, with an audio-visual celebration of the roots of American blues music.  Ms. Anna Lomax Wood, Director of the Lomax Archive in New York, and Mr. Todd Harvey from The American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress, traveled to Lithuania to showcase music and share information about American blues and Afro-American folklore in their presentation, “The Land Where Blues Began.”  The seminar honored the enormous contribution of African Americans to U.S. and world culture and the impact their unique music has had on popular music. 
With an impressive knowledge of the history of American blues music, Ms. Lomax Wood, daughter of the prominent American folk archivist Alan Lomax, captured the interest of young music lovers, Lithuanian folklorists, and archivists alike during the presentation at the Lithuanian Music and Theater Academy.  At the American Corner at Visinkis Public Library in Siauliai, Mr. Harvey's discussion of the influence of old Afro-American music on current pop superstars touched a chord with students of music from Siauliai University. 

Congressman John Shimkus Takes on Lithuanian Prime Minister in a Basketball Match

Center: PM Kirkilas, to the right: Rep. Shimkus (#20), Marciulionis, APAO Rathod (#22), and Amb. Cloud (#15).

Representative John M. Shimkus (R-IL 19th) capped off his January 16-19 visit to Lithuania with a friendly basketball game with old friends.   The congressman played alongside teammates Ambassador John Cloud, APAO Rona Rathod, and other Americans.  The Americans fought a tough battle against the Lithuanian team, comprised of, among others, Lithuanian Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas and Defense Minister Juozas Olekas.  Fortunately, Congressman Shimkus' high-level meetings during the week did not tire him out as he was able to score repeatedly against the Lithuanians.  Despite the American team's best efforts, however, referee and former NBA superstar Šarūnas Marčiulionis granted victory to the Lithuanians.  Since the scores differed by only two points, the Americans are eagerly awaiting the congressman's next visit for a rematch.