Next week, archaeologists are expected to begin their work in the city of Šiauliai to exhume the remains of Soviet soldiers who died during World War II. According to Virginija Mickavičienė, an advisor to the mayor of Šiauliai, the team from the small community 'Arksaika' will start the preparatory work of breaking down existing foundations, which is essential before the actual excavation process can begin. The work schedule, however, heavily depends on the weather conditions, as bad weather could delay the planned activities.

The city administration had originally hoped to complete the transfer of the soldiers' remains to a designated cemetery last year, as the burials are located near the Šiauliai Cathedral. However, the Culture Heritage Department advised that the exhumation should only occur during warmer months, leading to a postponement until spring. Archaeologist Rokas Kraniauskas from 'Arksaika' indicated last year that the exhumation process and investigations of the cultural layer could take between four to six weeks, with each set of remains being extracted individually to ensure proper handling and documentation.

This initiative to exhume and properly identify the remains of soldiers reflects an ongoing effort to acknowledge and memorialize the past. It underscores the significance of understanding historical narratives in contexts of war, as well as the respect owed to those who lost their lives during such conflicts. The careful process not only honors the memory of the soldiers but also highlights broader themes of historical memory and reconciliation in Lithuania's complex history with Soviet influence.