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Dear members of the Lithuanian community, dear fellow countrymen!
I send you my best regards on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of the name Lithuania, and I congratulate all those who cherish Lithuanian culture, language, traditions, and the spirit of Lithuania!
In the twists of history Lithuanians had to restore their nation many times. This process has always been led by the most educated, open-minded people and persons of the deepest knowledge from Lithuania and world-wide Lithuanian communities.
This historically proven unity and collaboration shows us to be a large and inseparable Lithuanian family. Despite the distance that separates us from our motherland, with our souls, thoughts and hearts we gather in Lithuania, and once again remember that we are children of one land and one nation. We are a people joined by the common past of our parents and ancestors, common spiritual roots, common hope.
Today we rejoice that many Lithuanians are hard-working, talented, and able to realize their dreams. We proudly stand as equal to other democratic countries in Europe and the World, in the past and in the present.
While celebrating the 1000th anniversary of the written history of Lithuania, let our efforts and personal talents unite to strengthen the country and promote her name. Let the freedom, responsibility, talent and hard work of every single one of us be coordinated in the same direction. I believe that following this path will strengthen us as a Lithuanian community even more.
I hope this feeling of unity will be foremost in your hearts and minds during the anniversary celebrations, making us open, warm and attentive to each other.
Be together with Lithuania and the whole world! Let’s proclaim loudly with one voice: Lithuania has just turned 1000!
Valdas Adamkus,
The President of the Republic of Lithuania
July, 2008
