A recent event was held to commemorate the historical significance of the S. Welles Declaration for Lithuania alongside the United States’ state anniversary. During the proceedings, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that observing these milestones serves to celebrate shared values of freedom, democracy, and adherence to international law—principles that have connected Lithuania and the US for decades.
He highlighted that the principled stance taken by the US, particularly through the 1940 Welles Declaration, provided crucial hope for the restoration of Lithuanian independence. The celebration coincided with the US marking its 250th Independence Anniversary. The commemoration featured elaborate displays, including fireworks and aerial shows.
The ceremonies paid tribute to the bilateral relationship by featuring the national anthems of both nations and the solemn raising of both countries’ flags, accompanied by a performance from the Lithuanian Army’s Kaponegovskaja big band. The central historical element was the Welles Declaration, which originated as a statement in 1940 issued by a deputy of the then US Secretary of State, B. Sumner Welles.
The significance of this declaration underscores a deep historical bond. By linking the contemporary celebration of the US anniversary with the memory of the Welles Declaration, the event reinforced the enduring diplomatic ties between the two nations, emphasizing a mutual commitment to democratic principles and international legal frameworks.
Topics: #welles #declaration #anniversary
