“The people said they wouldn’t let anyone come and trample them again."

This post really isn't part of my SCA posting schedule. I would just like to point out three significant anniversaries for modern Lithuania.

Today (January 13) is the 35th anniversary of the Soviet assault on the Vilnius Television Tower. It was the last stand of a dying empire -- the USSR would cease to exist in less than a year. Fourteen unarmed Lithuanian civilians died, but many more stood up to oppression.

You can read about the event here. Music professor and Supreme Council chairman Vytautas Landsbergis (whom I have actually met) has said, "The people said they wouldn’t let anyone come and trample them again."

Think about that.

Next month, on February 16, is the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania (1918). Yeah, I know it doesn't roll off the tongue as easily as, say, "Flag Day." Then on March 11 is the Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania (1990).

I wish my father was around to see today's proudly independent Lithuania, the land of his parents' birth.