Valdas Adamkus, Former President, Solemnly Celebrated His 100th Birthday in Lithuania. The Honoree Himself Was Also Present. PHOTOS
When Adamkus came onto the stage of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, where the solemn event was held, the attendees greeted him with applause and chanted words of gratitude, writes Delfi.lt.
Valdas Adamkus stated that in the fight for the freedom of the people and the state, he would have achieved nothing without the support of the Lithuanians.
"I look at you with gratitude for being together today. And for being by my side at different periods of life — working, resolving the matter of Lithuania's freedom, building our state," said the former president of Lithuania.
He noted that throughout his life, he had repeatedly pondered how history influences a person and how a person can influence the course of history. According to Adamkus, the greatest influence on his fate was the events of the mid-20th century — the Soviet, Nazi, and repeated Soviet occupations of Lithuania.
Even in his youth, he understood the value of freedom, and this became the foundation of his life's convictions. Adamkus emphasized that he strove to protect his own freedom, the freedom of his people, and his state. He named the people with whom he had to and continues to cooperate as his support.
The former president thanked everyone with whom he walked the Lithuanian path, and specifically addressed the youth. He recalled that he had repeatedly asked young people who, if not them, would build the future of the homeland and strengthen it on the foundations of freedom and democracy. Adamkus thanked those who answer this question with their daily work.
Separately, he mentioned his wife Alma Adamkienė, who passed away in May 2023 at the age of 96, and with whom Valdas Adamkus lived for 72 years. Adamkus called her the greatest gift from God and a gift of fate. According to him, together they walked a long life's journey, which had its share of difficulties and trials.
Valdas Adamkus was born on November 3, 1926, in Kaunas. In July 1944, he moved to Germany with his parents and studied natural sciences at the University of Munich.
In 1949, Adamkus moved to the USA. In the 1960s, he actively engaged in public and political activities, and later began working for the US Environmental Protection Agency. He also actively participated in the social and political life of the Lithuanian diaspora.
After Lithuania regained independence, Valdas Adamkus returned to his homeland and was twice elected president of the country — first in 1998, and then in 2004.
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