Freedom Defenders Day in Lithuania Date in the current year: January 13, 2024

Lithuania declared its independence from Soviet Union on March 11, 1990, but the Soviet government didn't accept this decision. In order to restore its regime and suppress the secession, soviet troops attacked the Vilnius TV Tower, killed 14 civilians and wounded 600 others.

The investigation of this event is still not concluded. The Soviet authorities refused their connection to the Vilnius TV Tower attack. The District Court of Vilnius condemned 6 people who were connected to the events of January 13, 1991, and 23 are still suspect.

Different ceremonies are held to commemorate Freedom Defenders Day in Lithuania. A special running event entitled “Road of Life and Death” usually takes place. The route begins from the Antalaknis cemetery where participants will lay wreaths on the graves of the Defenders of Freedom. Simultaneous discharge of missiles marks the start of the footpath that finishes at the Vilnius TV tower.