Lithuanian Independence celebrated in Cleveland

Members of the Cleveland Lithuanian community gathered at the Lithuanian Cultural Garden to celebrate The Act of Reinstating Independence of Lithuania or Act of 16 February which was signed by the Council of Lithuania on 16 February 1918, proclaiming the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania.

Gathering by the bust of Jonas Basanavicius
in the Lithuanian Cultural Garden

Because of the pandemic only a few officers were allowed to attend this brief outdoor ceremony led by President Algis Gudenas and including Honorary Consul General Ingrida Bublys and Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek.

Photos and video of the Lithuanian event in the Garden

Here's a video from the ceremony

History of Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland

Algis Ruksenas, Author and Historian, was the featured speaker at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland.  He gave a detailed history of the creation of the Lithuanian Garden and the many busts and monuments within.

Cleveland Lithuanian community

Zemej Lietuvos by Choir in Cleveland Cultural Garden

Exultate Choir directed by Rita Kliorys with William Shaffer on keyboard performed at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland.

This was Zemej Lietuvos.

More from Lithuanians in Cleveland

Lithuanian song by Choir in Cleveland Cultural Garden

Exultate Choir directed by Rita Kliorys with William Shaffer on keyboard performed at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland.  This was their 2nd song.

More from Lithuanians in Cleveland

Lithuanian Choir in Cleveland Cultural Garden

Exultate Choir directed by Rita Kliorys with William Shaffer on keyboard performed at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland.

This first song is El Jovar, Jovar!

More from the Lithuanian community in Cleveland

US Senator Rob Portman in Lithuanian Garden

Senator Rob Portman spoke at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland.  He spoke about how the freedom of the Baltics (and Ukraine and Crimea, etc.) is essential and how the US must support its allies.  

More from the Lithuanian community of Cleveland

Senator Rob Portman – Eastern Europe, ethnic groups and George Voinovich

Senator Rob Portman spoke at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland.  After the event he was asked if his expertise with the Baltic States, Ukraine and Eastern Europe and his strong relationships with the ethnic groups came from the late Senator George Voinovich.  

More of Cleveland's Lithuanian community