Lithuania marked a Freedom Day

On the 31 of August Lithuania marked a Freedom Day.  14 years ago this day the Russian Armed Forces completed its withdrawal from the territory of Lithuania.

On August 31, 1993, some moments before the midnight, a Russian train with the last servicemen crossed Lithuania’s border. Russia had to withdraw some 22 thousand of Russian servicemen who comprised 5 divisions and 295 separate combat and servicing units.

This was an emotional moment for many (for those who were leaving also) and one of the biggest Lithuania’s diplomatic victory.  Lithuania was the first of the Baltic states, from which the army of the USSR withdrew.  Not many in Lithuania believed that this will be possible.