The Seimas award is presented as an acknowledgment of dedication to maintaining historical memory and advancing the principles that support a free and democratic state. The efforts of various organizations dedicated to the victims of deportation and political imprisonment are credited with promoting a societal commitment to freedom as a core element of national and state identity. ELTA notes the critical historical context surrounding these efforts.
Specifically, the text recalls that the Soviet Union initiated its occupation of Lithuania on June 15, 1940. A year later, on June 14, 1941, the first major wave of mass deportations targeting the Lithuanian population commenced. During this period, an estimated total of over 30,000 individuals were forcibly removed from the country via cattle wagons.
The recognition provided by the Seimas award highlights the ongoing necessity of remembering these historical injustices. By supporting the work of these specialized organizations, the focus remains on ensuring that the experiences of the victims—including those subjected to deportation—are preserved. This work is viewed as essential for strengthening the foundational values of the nation, ensuring that the memory of past struggles contributes to the enduring commitment to democratic principles within the state.
Topics: #organizations #victims #deportation
This recognition is important for keeping the history of those affected by deportation visible.
What specific contributions led these victim organizations to receive the Seimas award?