Baltic Way Anniversary Celebrated with Joint Exhibition in Prague
Ambassador Rolandas Kačinskas at the opening of the Baltic Way exhibition in Prague stated, “Our desire for freedom is as strong as ever, but we face serious challenges. It is crucial to stand united today – for the Baltic states, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and all nations striving for freedom and democracy. Only together are we a living and unbreakable chain.”
Today, the Embassies of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, in collaboration with partners, officially opened the exhibition "The Baltic Way: Unity for Freedom" at Václav Havel Square in the heart of Prague, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way. This joint project aims to educate the Czech public and visitors about an event that transformed the history of the three Baltic states and contributed to their independence restoration.
The exhibition, which also highlights the role of Czechoslovakia at that time, was inaugurated by Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Eduard Hulicius. Guests were welcomed on behalf of all Baltic states by Estonian Ambassador Gita Kalmet, along with Milanas Babík, Director of the Václav Havel Library, and Luboš Švec, a historian from Charles University and the exhibition curator.
Rolandas Kačinskas, the newly appointed Ambassador of Lithuania to the Czech Republic, emphasized the significance of the Baltic Way in the context of current political events.
“Our desire for freedom is as strong as ever, but we face serious challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to stand united today – for the Baltic states, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and all nations striving for freedom and democracy, as only together are we a living and unbreakable chain,” said the ambassador.
The exhibition features 24 panels displaying numerous photographs, documents, and narratives surrounding this extraordinary event, including the first official visit of our then-state leader, Vytautas Landsbergis, to Czechoslovakia, where President Václav Havel ardently supported the independence aspirations of the Baltic states.
The preparation of the exhibition involved collaboration with the Latvian National Archives, the Estonian National Archives and Tallinn City Archives, the Lithuanian Central State Archives, the Lithuanian State New Archives, and the Institute of International Studies at Charles University in Prague.
Visitors can explore the history of the Baltic Way at Václav Havel Square until September 29.
