During a formal ceremony, the 2025 Freedom Award was presented to Tomas Šernas, a customs officer who survived the Medininkai tragedy and a priest of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Lithuania, for his contributions to the fight for Lithuanian independence.
Upon receiving the award, he dedicated a few words to the outgoing head of state, Dalia Grybauskaitė.
„When President Grybauskaitė oversaw the gas terminal project from start to finish, which gave Lithuania more energy freedom, there were political sons who probably drew their strength from the past and did everything they could to hinder the project. What political and economic challenges would the country face today if it weren't for this daughter of Lithuania? Her phrase 'stop trembling' is very appropriate today,“ said Šernas.
His words were met with applause in the hall, and Grybauskaitė herself smiled subtly.
„As always, we must not be afraid. Let us not be afraid. Let us not be afraid to defend our freedom, our dignity, our humanity. This is necessary every day. And it is necessary now, as never before,“ replied the former head of state when asked what feelings the phrase evoked in her and what thoughts she had on this January 13th.
Many of the speakers mentioned social and political conflict and division.
„Difficult feelings. Mostly. It is very unpleasant to see such confrontation, a war of ambitions, and simply a lack of common sense. I would urge all politicians to think first about Lithuania, its people, and only then about themselves. Then there will be fewer conflicts,“ urged Grybauskaitė.