In Minaičiai, Lithuania, a ceremony was held to honor the fighters for Lithuania's freedom, coinciding with the State Restoration Day and the anniversary of the 1949 declaration by the Council of the Lithuanian Freedom Fight Movement. The event was marked by speeches, including one from Juozas Olekas, the Speaker of the Seimas, who emphasized the significance of the location and the declaration's role in affirming Lithuania's independence during a time of occupation.

Olekas highlighted the historical importance of Minaičiai, where Lithuanian partisans established command and issued a declaration that became a manifesto for resistance against occupation. He articulated that this declaration served as a vision for a democratic, free, and just Lithuania, founded on equality among citizens, accountability, and respect for human rights, underscoring the values that guide current and future generations.

With echoes of war resounding in parts of Europe today, Olekas drew parallels between the struggles faced by Lithuania's partisans and contemporary battles for freedom, noting that their decisions and sacrifices remain highly relevant. The commemoration served as a reminder that the fight for liberty is ongoing and that the lessons of the past must inform current efforts to protect and uphold freedom in Lithuania and beyond.